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Tue, 02 Jun 2020 20:36:10 +0000Tue, 02 Jun 2020 20:36:10 +000060enAll rights reservedfeeds@soundcloud.com (SoundCloud Feeds)The Techdirt Podcast, hosted by Michael Masnick.The Techdirt Podcast, hosted by Michael Masnick.Techdirtmike@floor64.comTechdirtnohttp://i1.sndcdn.com/avatars-000114141849-1ii6dy-original.pngTechdirthttp://www.techdirt.com
tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/832996744Section 230 & Trump's Executive OrderTue, 02 Jun 2020 20:36:10 +0000https://soundcloud.com/techdirt/section-230-trumps-executive-order
00:42:26TechdirtnoThis week, we've got a special cross-post from 16 Minutes On The News — an excellent tech podcast by a16z that's well worth subscribing to. For the latest episode, host Sonal Chokshi interviewed Mike all about Section 230 and Trump's recent executive order about social media — and as you might imagine, it took a lot longer than 16 minutes! We've got the complete interview here on the Techdirt Podcast.This week, we've got a special cross-post from 16…This week, we've got a special cross-post from 16 Minutes On The News — an excellent tech podcast by a16z that's well worth subscribing to. For the latest episode, host Sonal Chokshi interviewed Mike all about Section 230 and Trump's recent executive order about social media — and as you might imagine, it took a lot longer than 16 minutes! We've got the complete interview here on the Techdirt Podcast.tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/824665744The .ORG Deal Post-Mortem, With Mike GodwinWed, 20 May 2020 20:17:22 +0000https://soundcloud.com/techdirt/the-org-deal-post-mortem-with-mike-godwin
00:57:31TechdirtnoWe're back! It's been a while since the last podcast, for obvious reasons, but today we've got a new episode following up on something we discussed with Mike Godwin in January: the Internet Society's proposed sale of the .org domain registry. That deal has since been cancelled, and some groups including the EFF assert that it showed ISOC can't be trusted to handle the registry, so this week Godwin joins us again to discuss what happened in more detail.We're back! It's been a while since the last podc…We're back! It's been a while since the last podcast, for obvious reasons, but today we've got a new episode following up on something we discussed with Mike Godwin in January: the Internet Society's proposed sale of the .org domain registry. That deal has since been cancelled, and some groups including the EFF assert that it showed ISOC can't be trusted to handle the registry, so this week Godwin joins us again to discuss what happened in more detail.tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/773859361Protocols Versus Platforms, Part 2Tue, 10 Mar 2020 18:47:18 +0000https://soundcloud.com/techdirt/protocols-versus-platforms-part-2
00:45:52TechdirtnoLast week, we featured the first half of a panel discussion organized by Lincoln Network, all about the concept of open internet protocols versus proprietary walled-garden platforms. The panel is moderated by Marshall Kosloff and features Mike Masnick, Cory Doctorow, Ashley Tyson and Mai Sutton, and this week we've got the second half of the discussion plus the audience Q&A.Last week, we featured the first half of a panel …Last week, we featured the first half of a panel discussion organized by Lincoln Network, all about the concept of open internet protocols versus proprietary walled-garden platforms. The panel is moderated by Marshall Kosloff and features Mike Masnick, Cory Doctorow, Ashley Tyson and Mai Sutton, and this week we've got the second half of the discussion plus the audience Q&A.tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/770281939Protocols Versus Platforms, Part OneTue, 03 Mar 2020 20:30:49 +0000https://soundcloud.com/techdirt/protocols-versus-platforms-part-one
00:35:49TechdirtnoToday on the podcast, we've got the first part of a panel discussion organized by Lincoln Network on a subject we've been talking more and more about around here: a return to an internet based on open protocols instead of closed platforms. The panel, which took place last week, is moderated by Marshall Kosloff and features Mike Masnick, Cory Doctorow, Ashley Tyson and Mai Sutton. In next week's episode we'll have the second half along with the Q&A at the end, but this week you can dive in to the first part of this wide-ranging discussion about protocols versus platforms.Today on the podcast, we've got the first part of…Today on the podcast, we've got the first part of a panel discussion organized by Lincoln Network on a subject we've been talking more and more about around here: a return to an internet based on open protocols instead of closed platforms. The panel, which took place last week, is moderated by Marshall Kosloff and features Mike Masnick, Cory Doctorow, Ashley Tyson and Mai Sutton. In next week's episode we'll have the second half along with the Q&A at the end, but this week you can dive in to the first part of this wide-ranging discussion about protocols versus platforms.tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/766308469The Fate Of HQ TriviaTue, 25 Feb 2020 13:16:36 +0000https://soundcloud.com/techdirt/the-fate-of-hq-trivia
00:40:06TechdirtnoRemember HQ Trivia? A couple years ago it was taking the world by storm and raising a lot of interest, and not without reason: it looked like it was resurrecting a shared live experience that seemed to be dead in the on-demand era. We featured a discussion about it on Episode 146. But the company has faced a rocky road since then, and recently announced that it would be shutting down — although, after this podcast was recorded, a subsequent announcement suggested it might get a lifeline. Either way, it's worth looking at what happened, so erstwhile podcast co-host Dennis Yang — who was both an early adopter and, to this day, one of the dwindling regular players of HQ — has returned for this episode to discuss the fate of HQ Trivia.Remember HQ Trivia? A couple years ago it was tak…Remember HQ Trivia? A couple years ago it was taking the world by storm and raising a lot of interest, and not without reason: it looked like it was resurrecting a shared live experience that seemed to be dead in the on-demand era. We featured a discussion about it on Episode 146. But the company has faced a rocky road since then, and recently announced that it would be shutting down — although, after this podcast was recorded, a subsequent announcement suggested it might get a lifeline. Either way, it's worth looking at what happened, so erstwhile podcast co-host Dennis Yang — who was both an early adopter and, to this day, one of the dwindling regular players of HQ — has returned for this episode to discuss the fate of HQ Trivia.tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/762865579Gaming Like It's 1924Tue, 18 Feb 2020 21:01:56 +0000https://soundcloud.com/techdirt/gaming-like-its-1924
00:43:59TechdirtnoLast week, we announced the winners of our second annual public domain game jam, Gaming Like It's 1924. The entries were so great this year that they deserve a close look, so this week myself and Randy Lubin — who was instrumental in conceiving, launching, and judging these jams — join the podcast to discuss all six of the winners from the game jam, and what makes them special.Last week, we announced the winners of our second…Last week, we announced the winners of our second annual public domain game jam, Gaming Like It's 1924. The entries were so great this year that they deserve a close look, so this week myself and Randy Lubin — who was instrumental in conceiving, launching, and judging these jams — join the podcast to discuss all six of the winners from the game jam, and what makes them special.tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/759018151Larry Lessig Defends His 'Clickbait Defamation' LawsuitTue, 11 Feb 2020 21:24:33 +0000https://soundcloud.com/techdirt/larry-lessig-defends-his-clickbait-defamation-lawsuit
01:10:44TechdirtnoLast month I wrote a long post explaining why I could not support Larry Lessig's new lawsuit against journalists and the New York Times for what he referred to as "Clickbait Defamation." Lessig argued that a NY Times headline and lede was false, while I argued that it was a different interpretation, but not "false," and thus not defamatory. I also argued that his lawsuit was a SLAPP suit, potentially harming the individuals named. Larry wished to respond to my post and I invited him on the podcast to discuss. Larry is a Harvard Law professor. I am not. This immediately puts me at a disadvantage in arguing things in a live debate, and while I don't think either of us convinced each other of anything, l definitely understand his argument more clearly, though I still disagree with it.
As I said in my intro to the podcast, I think it's worth reading all of the background information to understand what we're talking about, including:
- Lessig's original Medium post: https://medium.com/@lessig/on-joi-and-mit-3cb422fe5ae7
- The NY Times article: https://www.nytimes.com/2019/09/14/business/lessig-epstein-ito-mit.html
- Larry's response to the NY Times: https://medium.com/@lessig/on-the-careful-reading-of-the-new-york-times-editors-8f543418c1df
- Larry's new ClickbaitDefamation.org website, including his legal complaint: https://clickbaitdefamation.org/
- My post about this case: https://www.techdirt.com/articles/20200113/18320443724/dear-larry-lessig-please-dont-file-slapp-suits.shtml
Also, for the first time, we are providing a transcript with this podcast. This is an experiment. We have wanted to do transcripts for a while, but it is usually quite expensive and/or time consuming. In this case, given the likely interest in the discussion, we felt it was worthwhile. We are testing an automated transcript service, and while we've gone through it and tried to correct the errors, it is likely that some still made it through. We apologize for any such errors and will try to correct them if you alert us in the comments. You can read the transcript on Techdirt: https://www.techdirt.com/articles/20200211/11583043904/techdirt-podcast-episode-238-larry-lessig-defends-his-clickbait-defamation-lawsuit.shtmlLast month I wrote a long post explaining why I c…Last month I wrote a long post explaining why I could not support Larry Lessig's new lawsuit against journalists and the New York Times for what he referred to as "Clickbait Defamation." Lessig argued that a NY Times headline and lede was false, while I argued that it was a different interpretation, but not "false," and thus not defamatory. I also argued that his lawsuit was a SLAPP suit, potentially harming the individuals named. Larry wished to respond to my post and I invited him on the podcast to discuss. Larry is a Harvard Law professor. I am not. This immediately puts me at a disadvantage in arguing things in a live debate, and while I don't think either of us convinced each other of anything, l definitely understand his argument more clearly, though I still disagree with it.
As I said in my intro to the podcast, I think it's worth reading all of the background information to understand what we're talking about, including:
- Lessig's original Medium post: https://medium.com/@lessig/on-joi-and-mit-3cb422fe5ae7
- The NY Times article: https://www.nytimes.com/2019/09/14/business/lessig-epstein-ito-mit.html
- Larry's response to the NY Times: https://medium.com/@lessig/on-the-careful-reading-of-the-new-york-times-editors-8f543418c1df
- Larry's new ClickbaitDefamation.org website, including his legal complaint: https://clickbaitdefamation.org/
- My post about this case: https://www.techdirt.com/articles/20200113/18320443724/dear-larry-lessig-please-dont-file-slapp-suits.shtml
Also, for the first time, we are providing a transcript with this podcast. This is an experiment. We have wanted to do transcripts for a while, but it is usually quite expensive and/or time consuming. In this case, given the likely interest in the discussion, we felt it was worthwhile. We are testing an automated transcript service, and while we've gone through it and tried to correct the errors, it is likely that some still made it through. We apologize for any such errors and will try to correct them if you alert us in the comments. You can read the transcript on Techdirt: https://www.techdirt.com/articles/20200211/11583043904/techdirt-podcast-episode-238-larry-lessig-defends-his-clickbait-defamation-lawsuit.shtmltag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/755100394How Privacy Laws Harm Criminal DefendantsTue, 04 Feb 2020 20:58:11 +0000https://soundcloud.com/techdirt/how-privacy-laws-harm-criminal-defendants
00:40:58TechdirtnoPrivacy laws are often well-intentioned, but rarely without terrible unintended consequences. And some of these fly right under the radar, like the fact that various privacy laws have made it harder for defense teams in criminal trials to access critical information, even as law enforcement and prosecutors don't seem to face the same problem. This week, we're joined by Berkeley Law's Rebecca Wexler, who has been tracking this issue and working on an upcoming paper about it, to discuss how privacy laws are harming criminal defendants.Privacy laws are often well-intentioned, but rare…Privacy laws are often well-intentioned, but rarely without terrible unintended consequences. And some of these fly right under the radar, like the fact that various privacy laws have made it harder for defense teams in criminal trials to access critical information, even as law enforcement and prosecutors don't seem to face the same problem. This week, we're joined by Berkeley Law's Rebecca Wexler, who has been tracking this issue and working on an upcoming paper about it, to discuss how privacy laws are harming criminal defendants.tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/751188199Talkin' Jomboy, New Media & CopyrightTue, 28 Jan 2020 20:58:22 +0000https://soundcloud.com/techdirt/talkin-jomboy-new-media-copyright
00:51:06TechdirtnoIf you're a baseball fan, you've probably heard of Jomboy (aka Jim O'Brien) by now. And if you're not, you still might have — because he's been getting attention by building a successful new media network online with his baseball explainer videos. And of course, that includes facing some familiar copyright and ContentID obstacles along the way. This week, Jomboy himself joins us on the podcast to discuss the experience, the challenges, and yes, the baseball.If you're a baseball fan, you've probably heard o…If you're a baseball fan, you've probably heard of Jomboy (aka Jim O'Brien) by now. And if you're not, you still might have — because he's been getting attention by building a successful new media network online with his baseball explainer videos. And of course, that includes facing some familiar copyright and ContentID obstacles along the way. This week, Jomboy himself joins us on the podcast to discuss the experience, the challenges, and yes, the baseball.tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/747244027The CES 2020 Post-MortemTue, 21 Jan 2020 21:22:27 +0000https://soundcloud.com/techdirt/the-ces-2020-post-mortem
00:44:13TechdirtnoOnce again, it's time for the CES post-mortem! Unlike past years, Mike didn't make it to the 2020 show, but our regular guest and unrivaled CES veteran Rob Pegoraro is back with all the important details from the ground. Listen in to find out what new consumer tech, both expected and unexpected, the industry is pushing this year.Once again, it's time for the CES post-mortem! Un…Once again, it's time for the CES post-mortem! Unlike past years, Mike didn't make it to the 2020 show, but our regular guest and unrivaled CES veteran Rob Pegoraro is back with all the important details from the ground. Listen in to find out what new consumer tech, both expected and unexpected, the industry is pushing this year.tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/743994625Mike Godwin Defends Selling .ORGWed, 15 Jan 2020 19:44:53 +0000https://soundcloud.com/techdirt/mike-godwin-defends-selling-org
00:58:50TechdirtnoWe're back! It's been a lull over the holidays and we've gone a while without new podcast episodes, but now we've got several lined up for the coming weeks — and today we kick things off with a very interesting discussion. Many of you probably know about the controversy and concern over the Internet Society's sale of the .ORG domain registry to a private equity firm, but one prominent defender of the deal is ISOC trustee Mike Godwin, and today he joins us to explain his reasoning and try to convince Mike that the sale is a good idea.We're back! It's been a lull over the holidays an…We're back! It's been a lull over the holidays and we've gone a while without new podcast episodes, but now we've got several lined up for the coming weeks — and today we kick things off with a very interesting discussion. Many of you probably know about the controversy and concern over the Internet Society's sale of the .ORG domain registry to a private equity firm, but one prominent defender of the deal is ISOC trustee Mike Godwin, and today he joins us to explain his reasoning and try to convince Mike that the sale is a good idea.tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/722316598Your Secret Consumer ScoreTue, 03 Dec 2019 21:04:52 +0000https://soundcloud.com/techdirt/your-secret-consumer-score
00:42:37TechdirtnoWhen Kashmir Hill last joined us on the podcast, it was to discuss her experiment with cutting big tech companies out of her life. This week she's back to discuss something even harder to escape, and subject of her recent article in the New York Times: the low-profile companies that track consumers and assign them secret scores, and the disturbing amount of power they wield.When Kashmir Hill last joined us on the podcast, …When Kashmir Hill last joined us on the podcast, it was to discuss her experiment with cutting big tech companies out of her life. This week she's back to discuss something even harder to escape, and subject of her recent article in the New York Times: the low-profile companies that track consumers and assign them secret scores, and the disturbing amount of power they wield.tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/711886171Copying Is Not TheftTue, 12 Nov 2019 21:17:15 +0000https://soundcloud.com/techdirt/copying-is-not-theft
00:53:05TechdirtnoWe've said it before (and even put it on a t-shirt) and we'll say it again: copying is not theft, and intellectual "property" is anything but. In September, the Niskanen Center published an excellent paper exploring this issue and explaining why IP is a misnomer — and this week we've got one of the authors of that paper, Daniel Takash, to discuss in more detail why property is simply the wrong lens for looking at copyrights and patents.We've said it before (and even put it on a t-shir…We've said it before (and even put it on a t-shirt) and we'll say it again: copying is not theft, and intellectual "property" is anything but. In September, the Niskanen Center published an excellent paper exploring this issue and explaining why IP is a misnomer — and this week we've got one of the authors of that paper, Daniel Takash, to discuss in more detail why property is simply the wrong lens for looking at copyrights and patents.tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/708410212Working Futures, Part TwoTue, 05 Nov 2019 21:33:50 +0000https://soundcloud.com/techdirt/working-futures-part-two
00:41:00TechdirtnoGET YOUR COPY OF THE ANTHOLOGY AT https://workingfutur.es/
A few weeks ago, we sat down with some of the authors from Working Futures, our new anthology of short stories about the future of work. Today we're back with three new guests whose stories are featured in the collection: Andrew Dana Hudson, N. R. M. Roshak, and Randy Lubin (who helped design the scenario-planning game we used to spawn ideas for many of the stories). We hope you enjoy this second instalment in our discussion all about Working Futures and the intriguing, challenging stories therein.GET YOUR COPY OF THE ANTHOLOGY AT https://working…GET YOUR COPY OF THE ANTHOLOGY AT https://workingfutur.es/
A few weeks ago, we sat down with some of the authors from Working Futures, our new anthology of short stories about the future of work. Today we're back with three new guests whose stories are featured in the collection: Andrew Dana Hudson, N. R. M. Roshak, and Randy Lubin (who helped design the scenario-planning game we used to spawn ideas for many of the stories). We hope you enjoy this second instalment in our discussion all about Working Futures and the intriguing, challenging stories therein.tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/700228612Backpage v. The FedsTue, 22 Oct 2019 20:07:35 +0000https://soundcloud.com/techdirt/backpage-v-the-feds
00:42:25TechdirtnoWe've written a lot about Backpage ever since it replaced Craigslist as the favorite target of grandstanding prosecutors, and especially since it was used to help pass FOSTA. Now history's being rewritten to claim FOSTA took Backpage down, despite that not being the order in which things happened. The biggest issue, though, is that taking down these sites makes it harder to fight sex trafficking — and the feds know it. This week, we're joined by Reason's Elizabeth Nolan Brown to discuss documents she recently obtained in which federal investigators repeatedly acknowledge that Backpage helped them do their job, and wasn't run by a bunch of criminals.We've written a lot about Backpage ever since it …We've written a lot about Backpage ever since it replaced Craigslist as the favorite target of grandstanding prosecutors, and especially since it was used to help pass FOSTA. Now history's being rewritten to claim FOSTA took Backpage down, despite that not being the order in which things happened. The biggest issue, though, is that taking down these sites makes it harder to fight sex trafficking — and the feds know it. This week, we're joined by Reason's Elizabeth Nolan Brown to discuss documents she recently obtained in which federal investigators repeatedly acknowledge that Backpage helped them do their job, and wasn't run by a bunch of criminals.tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/696345073Pirate Shaming Lists Don't WorkTue, 15 Oct 2019 20:25:59 +0000https://soundcloud.com/techdirt/pirate-shaming-lists-dont-work
00:47:54TechdirtnoA couple of months ago, we were surprised when a WIPO employee showed up in our comments to defend the organization's new database of supposedly infringing sites against our many criticisms. In that post, we highlighted a Twitter thread from lawyer Rick Shera — who represented Mega — and this week, Shera joins us on the podcast to further discuss the inefficacy and negative impact of these kinds of pirate shaming lists.A couple of months ago, we were surprised when a …A couple of months ago, we were surprised when a WIPO employee showed up in our comments to defend the organization's new database of supposedly infringing sites against our many criticisms. In that post, we highlighted a Twitter thread from lawyer Rick Shera — who represented Mega — and this week, Shera joins us on the podcast to further discuss the inefficacy and negative impact of these kinds of pirate shaming lists.tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/692869519Working FuturesTue, 08 Oct 2019 18:32:27 +0000https://soundcloud.com/techdirt/working-futures
00:40:43TechdirtnoGET THE BOOK: http://workingfutur.es/
As we hope you know by now, last week we released Working Futures, an anthology of short stories about the future of work in our world of rapidly advancing technology, inspired by settings we developed with a specially-designed scenario planning exercise. For this week's special episode of the podcast, we've brought in three of the authors whose stories are featured in the book— Katharine Dow, Christopher Hooton, and James Yu — to talk about the process of developing future scenarios and, of course, about their stories.GET THE BOOK: http://workingfutur.es/
As we hope…GET THE BOOK: http://workingfutur.es/
As we hope you know by now, last week we released Working Futures, an anthology of short stories about the future of work in our world of rapidly advancing technology, inspired by settings we developed with a specially-designed scenario planning exercise. For this week's special episode of the podcast, we've brought in three of the authors whose stories are featured in the book— Katharine Dow, Christopher Hooton, and James Yu — to talk about the process of developing future scenarios and, of course, about their stories.tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/689628790Rep. Mark Takano On Tech In CongressTue, 01 Oct 2019 19:42:10 +0000https://soundcloud.com/techdirt/rep-mark-takano-on-tech-in-congress
00:26:28TechdirtnoWith all the misconceptions, political projects, and flat-out panics about tech in Congress these days, it sometimes feels like any positive legislative progress regarding technology is impossible. But once in a while you find a lawmaker who is out there pushing smart bills about tech, such as one that aims to help solve this whole mess by restoring and redesigning the Office of Technology Assessment to help educate Congress in the digital age. This week, we're joined by Rep. Mark Takano to discuss his plans to bring tech literacy back to Congress.With all the misconceptions, political projects, …With all the misconceptions, political projects, and flat-out panics about tech in Congress these days, it sometimes feels like any positive legislative progress regarding technology is impossible. But once in a while you find a lawmaker who is out there pushing smart bills about tech, such as one that aims to help solve this whole mess by restoring and redesigning the Office of Technology Assessment to help educate Congress in the digital age. This week, we're joined by Rep. Mark Takano to discuss his plans to bring tech literacy back to Congress.tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/686226010The "Facebook Supreme Court"Tue, 24 Sep 2019 19:52:02 +0000https://soundcloud.com/techdirt/the-facebook-supreme-court
00:48:20TechdirtnoThe latest big news in the ongoing discussion about social media moderation is the release of Facebook's official plans for its independent oversight board, which will review content moderation decisions in an attempt to bring some transparency and due process to the system. This week we're joined by returning guest Professor Kate Klonick, who was present as an observer at Facebook covering the entire planning process, to discuss the many interesting questions around what Facebook would probably prefer people stop calling the "Facebook Supreme Court".The latest big news in the ongoing discussion abo…The latest big news in the ongoing discussion about social media moderation is the release of Facebook's official plans for its independent oversight board, which will review content moderation decisions in an attempt to bring some transparency and due process to the system. This week we're joined by returning guest Professor Kate Klonick, who was present as an observer at Facebook covering the entire planning process, to discuss the many interesting questions around what Facebook would probably prefer people stop calling the "Facebook Supreme Court".tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/682527257Does Dynamic Pricing Deserve The Hate?Tue, 17 Sep 2019 19:51:11 +0000https://soundcloud.com/techdirt/does-dynamic-pricing-deserve-the-hate
00:49:58Techdirtno"Dynamic pricing" is an idea that sounds efficient and effective in economic theory, but often collapses under the weight of customer anger when put into practice. But while that is true of some of the most egregious approaches, other forms of dynamic pricing are ubiquitous and largely accepted — in part because of how the systems work, and in part because of how they present themselves to customers. This week, we're joined by Perfect Price CEO Alex Shartsis to discuss the many facets of dynamic pricing, and whether it deserves the hate it gets."Dynamic pricing" is an idea that sounds efficien…"Dynamic pricing" is an idea that sounds efficient and effective in economic theory, but often collapses under the weight of customer anger when put into practice. But while that is true of some of the most egregious approaches, other forms of dynamic pricing are ubiquitous and largely accepted — in part because of how the systems work, and in part because of how they present themselves to customers. This week, we're joined by Perfect Price CEO Alex Shartsis to discuss the many facets of dynamic pricing, and whether it deserves the hate it gets.tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/679265553Trying To Be Optimistic About The InternetTue, 10 Sep 2019 20:44:46 +0000https://soundcloud.com/techdirt/trying-to-be-optimistic-about-the-internet
00:57:25TechdirtnoThe future of the internet is... uncertain. We've always been optimistic about what technology and innovation can achieve, and that hasn't changed, but right now it often feels like we're facing more new challenges and more reactions to them (including dangerous ones) than ever, and pessimism about the internet seems to be at an all-time high. This week we're joined by EFF Executive Director Cindy Cohn, who recently wrote an essay (pdf link) about internet pioneer John Perry Barlow and how his famous tech optimism was more complex — and more aware of challenges — than it is often portrayed, to discuss a positive future for the internet, and how we get there.
Cindy Cohn's Essay: https://scholarship.law.duke.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1341&context=dltrThe future of the internet is... uncertain. We've…The future of the internet is... uncertain. We've always been optimistic about what technology and innovation can achieve, and that hasn't changed, but right now it often feels like we're facing more new challenges and more reactions to them (including dangerous ones) than ever, and pessimism about the internet seems to be at an all-time high. This week we're joined by EFF Executive Director Cindy Cohn, who recently wrote an essay (pdf link) about internet pioneer John Perry Barlow and how his famous tech optimism was more complex — and more aware of challenges — than it is often portrayed, to discuss a positive future for the internet, and how we get there.
Cindy Cohn's Essay: https://scholarship.law.duke.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1341&context=dltrtag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/676365743Bedbugs & Beyond, With David KarpfWed, 04 Sep 2019 20:06:58 +0000https://soundcloud.com/techdirt/bedbugs-beyond-with-david-karpf
00:41:26TechdirtnoBy now, you likely all know the story of David Karpf's mild "bedbugs" joke that drew the personal, professional and journalistic ire of the New York Times' Bret Stephens. As it turned out, Karpf — a professor with expertise in media and political communication — was more than capable of responding to Stephens and talking about what was happening in a variety of media outlets, with far more insight than the Pulitzer-winning columnist himself, turning what started as a very silly incident into an exploration of very serious topics. So this week, David Karpf joins us on the podcast to talk about his experience, and what we can all learn from it.By now, you likely all know the story of David Ka…By now, you likely all know the story of David Karpf's mild "bedbugs" joke that drew the personal, professional and journalistic ire of the New York Times' Bret Stephens. As it turned out, Karpf — a professor with expertise in media and political communication — was more than capable of responding to Stephens and talking about what was happening in a variety of media outlets, with far more insight than the Pulitzer-winning columnist himself, turning what started as a very silly incident into an exploration of very serious topics. So this week, David Karpf joins us on the podcast to talk about his experience, and what we can all learn from it.tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/671873036Bringing Back The Internet's True PromiseTue, 27 Aug 2019 20:13:56 +0000https://soundcloud.com/techdirt/bringing-back-the-internets-true-promise
00:37:05TechdirtnoWe've talked a lot about how many of the controversial, challenging problems that exist online could be addressed by refocusing on making the internet what it was always supposed to be: a network of open protocols, not a cluster of walled gardens. Mike's recent paper on the subject lays out the reasons in detail, and on this week's episode of the podcast we're joined by one of the people working towards that goal: Anil Dash, whose Glitch community aims to bring development back to the masses.
Mike's Paper - https://knightcolumbia.org/content/protocols-not-platforms-a-technological-approach-to-free-speech
Glitch - https://glitch.com/We've talked a lot about how many of the controve…We've talked a lot about how many of the controversial, challenging problems that exist online could be addressed by refocusing on making the internet what it was always supposed to be: a network of open protocols, not a cluster of walled gardens. Mike's recent paper on the subject lays out the reasons in detail, and on this week's episode of the podcast we're joined by one of the people working towards that goal: Anil Dash, whose Glitch community aims to bring development back to the masses.
Mike's Paper - https://knightcolumbia.org/content/protocols-not-platforms-a-technological-approach-to-free-speech
Glitch - https://glitch.com/tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/668642123What's Really In The FCC's Facebook Settlement, Part TwoTue, 20 Aug 2019 19:36:30 +0000https://soundcloud.com/techdirt/whats-really-in-the-fccs-facebook-settlement-part-two
00:49:38TechdirtnoLast week, we featured part one of our discussion with lawyer Joshua de Larios-Heiman, about the details of the FCC's Facebook settlement, beyond the headline-grabbing fine. It was a long conversation that we cut off right in the middle, so be sure to listen to part one first and then come back for part two, in which we finish picking apart the settlement item by item.
PART ONE: https://soundcloud.com/techdirt/whats-really-in-the-ftcs-facebook-settlement-part-oneLast week, we featured part one of our discussion…Last week, we featured part one of our discussion with lawyer Joshua de Larios-Heiman, about the details of the FCC's Facebook settlement, beyond the headline-grabbing fine. It was a long conversation that we cut off right in the middle, so be sure to listen to part one first and then come back for part two, in which we finish picking apart the settlement item by item.
PART ONE: https://soundcloud.com/techdirt/whats-really-in-the-ftcs-facebook-settlement-part-onetag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/665334242What's Really In The FTC's Facebook Settlement, Part OneTue, 13 Aug 2019 19:50:37 +0000https://soundcloud.com/techdirt/whats-really-in-the-ftcs-facebook-settlement-part-one
00:45:48TechdirtnoEver since the FCC announced its proposed settlement with Facebook, the headlines have focused on the largest-ever privacy fine that came with it — but few people paid attention to the many, many important details. This week, we've got the first half of a two-part podcast with lawyer Joshua de Larios-Heiman, who helps us go through the entire settlement from start to finish, and pick apart what it means.Ever since the FCC announced its proposed settlem…Ever since the FCC announced its proposed settlement with Facebook, the headlines have focused on the largest-ever privacy fine that came with it — but few people paid attention to the many, many important details. This week, we've got the first half of a two-part podcast with lawyer Joshua de Larios-Heiman, who helps us go through the entire settlement from start to finish, and pick apart what it means.tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/662091530A Policy Bootcamp For TechnologistsTue, 06 Aug 2019 20:21:46 +0000https://soundcloud.com/techdirt/a-policy-bootcamp-for-technologists
00:43:09TechdirtnoThere's a new but growing desire, both within the tech industry and among onlookers, for more technologists to get involved in public policy and doing work to serve the public interest. Various plans to help make this happen are starting to appear, and an especially interesting one is the Aspen Tech Policy Hub, which aims to help establish a new generation of tech policy entrepreneurs using an incubator model in the vein of Y Combinator. This week, Mike is joined by director Betsy Cooper to discuss the Hub's resources and programs, its inaugural cohort of technologists, and what comes next.There's a new but growing desire, both within the…There's a new but growing desire, both within the tech industry and among onlookers, for more technologists to get involved in public policy and doing work to serve the public interest. Various plans to help make this happen are starting to appear, and an especially interesting one is the Aspen Tech Policy Hub, which aims to help establish a new generation of tech policy entrepreneurs using an incubator model in the vein of Y Combinator. This week, Mike is joined by director Betsy Cooper to discuss the Hub's resources and programs, its inaugural cohort of technologists, and what comes next.tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/655390613Don't PanicTue, 23 Jul 2019 19:42:28 +0000https://soundcloud.com/techdirt/dont-panic
00:46:58TechdirtnoMoral panics are nothing new, but they've taken on many new forms in the internet era, and their patterns have rubbed off on other kinds of techno-panics. This week, I join Mike on the podcast to discuss the way we talk about the potentially scary aspects of tech, how to spot a tech panic, and how to start changing the conversation into something more constructive.Moral panics are nothing new, but they've taken o…Moral panics are nothing new, but they've taken on many new forms in the internet era, and their patterns have rubbed off on other kinds of techno-panics. This week, I join Mike on the podcast to discuss the way we talk about the potentially scary aspects of tech, how to spot a tech panic, and how to start changing the conversation into something more constructive.tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/648758960Public Interest Tech, With Bruce SchneierTue, 09 Jul 2019 19:59:37 +0000https://soundcloud.com/techdirt/public-interest-tech-with-bruce-schneier
00:39:03TechdirtnoBruce Schneier is a name most Techdirt readers are very familiar with — he's a famous computer security expert who most recently has taken up the mantle of Public Interest Technologist, and been exploring exactly what that means. This week, Bruce joins us on the podcast to discuss how technologists can dedicate themselves to the common good.Bruce Schneier is a name most Techdirt readers ar…Bruce Schneier is a name most Techdirt readers are very familiar with — he's a famous computer security expert who most recently has taken up the mantle of Public Interest Technologist, and been exploring exactly what that means. This week, Bruce joins us on the podcast to discuss how technologists can dedicate themselves to the common good.tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/641991951Hawley's Bill Sucks: Let Us Count The Ways...Tue, 25 Jun 2019 19:29:49 +0000https://soundcloud.com/techdirt/hawleys-bill-sucks-let-us-count-the-ways
00:44:46TechdirtnoJosh Hawley's bill that aims to force "political neutrality" on social media platforms has caused a lot of stir for something so obviously unconstitutional and doomed to failure. There are so many problems with the bill that we've got three experts this week — Daphne Keller, Jeffrey Koseff, and Aaron Mackey — to help dig into all the ways this attack on Section 230 sucks.Josh Hawley's bill that aims to force "political …Josh Hawley's bill that aims to force "political neutrality" on social media platforms has caused a lot of stir for something so obviously unconstitutional and doomed to failure. There are so many problems with the bill that we've got three experts this week — Daphne Keller, Jeffrey Koseff, and Aaron Mackey — to help dig into all the ways this attack on Section 230 sucks.tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/638665395Experimenting With TwitchTue, 18 Jun 2019 19:31:56 +0000https://soundcloud.com/techdirt/experimenting-with-twitch
00:41:28TechdirtnoLive streaming is here to stay, and it seems to be getting more popular by the minute — but for many people, it still seems like a foreign land and evokes a cliched "I feel old" response. This week, Mike is joined by not-so-regular-anymore co-host Dennis Yang, who has been experimenting with Twitch, to get a beginner's perspective on the platform, the community, and the medium of streaming.Live streaming is here to stay, and it seems to b…Live streaming is here to stay, and it seems to be getting more popular by the minute — but for many people, it still seems like a foreign land and evokes a cliched "I feel old" response. This week, Mike is joined by not-so-regular-anymore co-host Dennis Yang, who has been experimenting with Twitch, to get a beginner's perspective on the platform, the community, and the medium of streaming.tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/631753314Blame Fox News Before FacebookTue, 04 Jun 2019 19:44:45 +0000https://soundcloud.com/techdirt/blame-fox-news-before-facebook
00:58:11TechdirtnoIn all the attempts to understand just what happened with the 2016 election, a lot of blame has fallen on the internet and especially on Facebook. The attention, which often focuses on the Cambridge Analytica scandal and Russian interference, is not unwarranted — but it often seems to lose track of the fact that Facebook is just one part of a broader media ecosystem, and not necessarily the most important one. This week, we're joined by Yochai Benkler of the Berkman Klein Center to discuss why Fox News, not Facebook, might deserve the lion's share of scrutiny.In all the attempts to understand just what happe…In all the attempts to understand just what happened with the 2016 election, a lot of blame has fallen on the internet and especially on Facebook. The attention, which often focuses on the Cambridge Analytica scandal and Russian interference, is not unwarranted — but it often seems to lose track of the fact that Facebook is just one part of a broader media ecosystem, and not necessarily the most important one. This week, we're joined by Yochai Benkler of the Berkman Klein Center to discuss why Fox News, not Facebook, might deserve the lion's share of scrutiny.tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/628035237What If Congress Actually Understood Technology?Tue, 28 May 2019 20:02:33 +0000https://soundcloud.com/techdirt/what-if-congress-actually-understood-technology
00:45:34TechdirtnoOnce upon a time, there was something called the Office of Technology Assessment, charged with the critical if unenviable task of educating members of congress about issues related to technology. Since that seems like a pretty good thing to have, recently some people have been pushing to re-establish the office. This week, we're joined by two of those people — Daniel Schuman from Demand Progress and returning guest Zach Graves from the Lincoln Network — for a discussion about bringing back the OTA.Once upon a time, there was something called the …Once upon a time, there was something called the Office of Technology Assessment, charged with the critical if unenviable task of educating members of congress about issues related to technology. Since that seems like a pretty good thing to have, recently some people have been pushing to re-establish the office. This week, we're joined by two of those people — Daniel Schuman from Demand Progress and returning guest Zach Graves from the Lincoln Network — for a discussion about bringing back the OTA.tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/624337320Breaking Facebook, With Mike Godwin And David KayeTue, 21 May 2019 18:40:30 +0000https://soundcloud.com/techdirt/breaking-facebook-with-mike-godwin-and-david-kaye
00:48:47TechdirtnoThe topic of what (if anything) to do with Facebook was hardly fading from public discourse anyway, but it received a bump when co-founder Chris Hughes called for the company to be broken up. This week, we've got two returning guests on the podcast with plenty to say on the subject — UN Special Rapporteur on freedom of expression David Kaye, and famed internet lawyer Mike Godwin — to discuss the many sides of the Facebook question.The topic of what (if anything) to do with Facebo…The topic of what (if anything) to do with Facebook was hardly fading from public discourse anyway, but it received a bump when co-founder Chris Hughes called for the company to be broken up. This week, we've got two returning guests on the podcast with plenty to say on the subject — UN Special Rapporteur on freedom of expression David Kaye, and famed internet lawyer Mike Godwin — to discuss the many sides of the Facebook question.tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/617145219Politicians (Usually) Don't Understand TechnologyTue, 07 May 2019 19:38:47 +0000https://soundcloud.com/techdirt/politicians-usually-dont-understand-technology
00:36:51TechdirtnoThe regulation of technology is an extremely important issue that impacts all our lives, but it tends to take a back seat in the world of mainstream politics, and when it does come to the fore, the lack of knowledge on display among elected representatives can be... disheartening, to say the least. In some ways that's starting to change as a generation of people who grew up with modern technology gets more and more involved in politics, but we're still a long, long way away from having a majority of tech-savvy (or even tech-literate) lawmakers. This week, we're joined by lawyer and pioneering law blogger Denise Howell to discuss the challenge of even determining whether a politician knows what they are talking about when it comes to tech.The regulation of technology is an extremely impo…The regulation of technology is an extremely important issue that impacts all our lives, but it tends to take a back seat in the world of mainstream politics, and when it does come to the fore, the lack of knowledge on display among elected representatives can be... disheartening, to say the least. In some ways that's starting to change as a generation of people who grew up with modern technology gets more and more involved in politics, but we're still a long, long way away from having a majority of tech-savvy (or even tech-literate) lawmakers. This week, we're joined by lawyer and pioneering law blogger Denise Howell to discuss the challenge of even determining whether a politician knows what they are talking about when it comes to tech.tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/613775241Cory Doctorow On Anti-Circumvention (And More)Tue, 30 Apr 2019 19:31:44 +0000https://soundcloud.com/techdirt/cory-doctorow-on-anti-circumvention-and-more
00:48:49TechdirtnoWhether it's from his novels, or his work for the EFF and others, most of you probably know all about Cory Doctorow. He last joined the podcast two years ago to discuss his book Walkaway, and this week he's back to talk about his latest book, Radicalized — a collection of four novellas, the first of which is directly based on the issues with the DMCA's anti-circumvention provisions. Check out the episode for a discussion about the book, anti-circumvention, tech companies, and more.Whether it's from his novels, or his work for the…Whether it's from his novels, or his work for the EFF and others, most of you probably know all about Cory Doctorow. He last joined the podcast two years ago to discuss his book Walkaway, and this week he's back to talk about his latest book, Radicalized — a collection of four novellas, the first of which is directly based on the issues with the DMCA's anti-circumvention provisions. Check out the episode for a discussion about the book, anti-circumvention, tech companies, and more.tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/610262673The Past & Future Of Section 230Tue, 23 Apr 2019 15:51:43 +0000https://soundcloud.com/techdirt/the-past-future-of-section-230
00:59:32TechdirtnoOf all the laws we discuss here at Techdirt, probably none comes up as often or in relation to as many things as Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act. It's not an exaggeration to describe it the way Professor Jeff Kosseff does in the title of his new book, The Twenty-Six Words That Created The Internet, offering a detailed history of this vital piece of law. This week, Jeff joins us on the podcast for an in-depth discussion about where Section 230 came from, and where it's going.Of all the laws we discuss here at Techdirt, prob…Of all the laws we discuss here at Techdirt, probably none comes up as often or in relation to as many things as Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act. It's not an exaggeration to describe it the way Professor Jeff Kosseff does in the title of his new book, The Twenty-Six Words That Created The Internet, offering a detailed history of this vital piece of law. This week, Jeff joins us on the podcast for an in-depth discussion about where Section 230 came from, and where it's going.tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/606995760A Free Speech Chat With FIRETue, 16 Apr 2019 19:50:28 +0000https://soundcloud.com/techdirt/a-free-speech-chat-with-fire
01:14:40TechdirtnoIt's time for another special cross-post from a different podcast. Mike was recently a guest on the Foundation for Individual Rights in Education's So To Speak podcast, for an interview about Techdirt, free speech, content moderation, and a range of other topics. If you didn't catch it there, you can listen to the whole interview here in this week's episode.It's time for another special cross-post from a d…It's time for another special cross-post from a different podcast. Mike was recently a guest on the Foundation for Individual Rights in Education's So To Speak podcast, for an interview about Techdirt, free speech, content moderation, and a range of other topics. If you didn't catch it there, you can listen to the whole interview here in this week's episode.tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/603476550MEP Julia Reda Explains What's Next With The EU Copyright DirectiveTue, 09 Apr 2019 18:43:58 +0000https://soundcloud.com/techdirt/mep-julia-reda-explains-whats-next-with-the-eu-copyright-directive
00:42:52TechdirtnoUnfortunately, as you know by now, the EU Parliament approved the current (disastrous) version of the EU Copyright Directive, which is now on track to become the law of the land. It's not good, but things aren't quite over yet. For this week's episode, we've got returning guest MEP Julia Reda — who has been a key force opposing the terrible articles in the Directive — to talk about what happens now.Unfortunately, as you know by now, the EU Parliam…Unfortunately, as you know by now, the EU Parliament approved the current (disastrous) version of the EU Copyright Directive, which is now on track to become the law of the land. It's not good, but things aren't quite over yet. For this week's episode, we've got returning guest MEP Julia Reda — who has been a key force opposing the terrible articles in the Directive — to talk about what happens now.tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/599957955Charter Cities & Innovative GovernanceTue, 02 Apr 2019 19:50:34 +0000https://soundcloud.com/techdirt/charter-cities-innovative-governance
00:39:22TechdirtnoWe're pretty optimistic about innovation here at Techdirt, but it isn't an automatic good thing all by itself: implementation and intention matters, and that means political entanglements and complicated questions about governance, and that calls for big, new ideas. This week, we're joined by Tamara Winter from the Center for Innovative Governance Research to discuss new experiments in government like charter cities and special autonomous zones.
Also, learn more about:
Shenzhen - https://openknowledge.worldbank.org/bitstream/handle/10986/2501/564470PUB0buil10Box349496B01PUBLIC1.pdf?sequen
Val D'Europe - https://www.economist.com/europe/2017/08/03/disney-has-built-a-pseudo-paris-near-paris
The original vision for Disney World -https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sLCHg9mUBag&t=920sWe're pretty optimistic about innovation here at …We're pretty optimistic about innovation here at Techdirt, but it isn't an automatic good thing all by itself: implementation and intention matters, and that means political entanglements and complicated questions about governance, and that calls for big, new ideas. This week, we're joined by Tamara Winter from the Center for Innovative Governance Research to discuss new experiments in government like charter cities and special autonomous zones.
Also, learn more about:
Shenzhen - https://openknowledge.worldbank.org/bitstream/handle/10986/2501/564470PUB0buil10Box349496B01PUBLIC1.pdf?sequen
Val D'Europe - https://www.economist.com/europe/2017/08/03/disney-has-built-a-pseudo-paris-near-paris
The original vision for Disney World -https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sLCHg9mUBag&t=920stag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/596367939The Surveillance State, With Marcy WheelerTue, 26 Mar 2019 18:56:48 +0000https://soundcloud.com/techdirt/the-surveillance-state-with-marcy-wheeler
00:54:55TechdirtnoWe've been covering surveillance and the intelligence community for a long time here at Techdirt, but if you had to limit yourself to just one source on the subject, even we'd probably recommend you choose Marcy Wheeler. Following the recent news that the NSA has apparently shut down its bulk records collection program — the first exposed by Edward Snowden — Marcy joins us on this week's episode to discuss the surveillance state and why it might abandon Section 215.We've been covering surveillance and the intellig…We've been covering surveillance and the intelligence community for a long time here at Techdirt, but if you had to limit yourself to just one source on the subject, even we'd probably recommend you choose Marcy Wheeler. Following the recent news that the NSA has apparently shut down its bulk records collection program — the first exposed by Edward Snowden — Marcy joins us on this week's episode to discuss the surveillance state and why it might abandon Section 215.tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/592660035The Failure Of High Tech PolicingTue, 19 Mar 2019 20:23:09 +0000https://soundcloud.com/techdirt/the-failure-of-high-tech-policing
00:54:14TechdirtnoSometimes people ask us why we write so much about the police on Techdirt. Though our coverage has grown somewhat beyond the boundaries of incidents directly involving technology, the reality is that the problems with law enforcement persistently intersect with the same technological and legal issues we've always discussed here. But this week the focus is squarely on cops and technology: Mike is joined by Matt Stroud, author of the new book Thin Blue Lie, as well as our own Tim Cushing, to talk about the failure of high-tech policing.Sometimes people ask us why we write so much abou…Sometimes people ask us why we write so much about the police on Techdirt. Though our coverage has grown somewhat beyond the boundaries of incidents directly involving technology, the reality is that the problems with law enforcement persistently intersect with the same technological and legal issues we've always discussed here. But this week the focus is squarely on cops and technology: Mike is joined by Matt Stroud, author of the new book Thin Blue Lie, as well as our own Tim Cushing, to talk about the failure of high-tech policing.tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/589078674Crying Wolf Over Conservative CensorshipTue, 12 Mar 2019 20:16:30 +0000https://soundcloud.com/techdirt/crying-wolf-over-conservative-censorship
00:44:56TechdirtnoYou've heard the uproar — conservatives are being censored on social media! But... are they? The short answer is no. The long answer is this week's podcast, with Lincoln Network policy head Zach Graves joining us for a discussion about the misinformation, hyperbole and general ridiculousness surrounding supposed social media bias.You've heard the uproar — conservatives are being…You've heard the uproar — conservatives are being censored on social media! But... are they? The short answer is no. The long answer is this week's podcast, with Lincoln Network policy head Zach Graves joining us for a discussion about the misinformation, hyperbole and general ridiculousness surrounding supposed social media bias.tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/586007754Delivery-Driven GovernmentWed, 06 Mar 2019 20:47:47 +0000https://soundcloud.com/techdirt/delivery-driven-government
00:50:51TechdirtnoLots of people have tried to sum up the differences between Silicon Valley and Washington, D.C. — but it isn't so easy to hone in on. Nevertheless, it's clear that at least some aspects of the west-coast tech approach could benefit a government that all-too-often appears incapable of accomplishing anything much. This week, we're joined by former US Deputy Chief Technology Officer and Code For America founder Jennifer Pahlka to discuss what the Hill can learn from the Valley.Lots of people have tried to sum up the differenc…Lots of people have tried to sum up the differences between Silicon Valley and Washington, D.C. — but it isn't so easy to hone in on. Nevertheless, it's clear that at least some aspects of the west-coast tech approach could benefit a government that all-too-often appears incapable of accomplishing anything much. This week, we're joined by former US Deputy Chief Technology Officer and Code For America founder Jennifer Pahlka to discuss what the Hill can learn from the Valley.tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/581820969Can Journalism Survive A Free Market?Tue, 26 Feb 2019 20:56:58 +0000https://soundcloud.com/techdirt/can-journalism-survive-a-free-market
00:47:25TechdirtnoIt's no secret that journalism outfits are struggling, and have been for some time. There are lots of competing ideas about why this is the case, and who to blame, but the ultimate question is the same: how do we fund good journalism going forward? This week, Mike is joined on the podcast by someone whose opinions on this question differ significantly from his own — Columbia Journalism professor and former online editor-in-chief of the Guardian Emily Bell — to talk about whether journalism can survive the free market, and what the alternatives are.It's no secret that journalism outfits are strugg…It's no secret that journalism outfits are struggling, and have been for some time. There are lots of competing ideas about why this is the case, and who to blame, but the ultimate question is the same: how do we fund good journalism going forward? This week, Mike is joined on the podcast by someone whose opinions on this question differ significantly from his own — Columbia Journalism professor and former online editor-in-chief of the Guardian Emily Bell — to talk about whether journalism can survive the free market, and what the alternatives are.tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/578082534The (Big?) Business Of PodcastingTue, 19 Feb 2019 20:58:26 +0000https://soundcloud.com/techdirt/the-big-business-of-podcasting
00:53:39TechdirtnoWe can hardly believe it, but as of this moment we've released 200 episodes of the Techdirt podcast! For this milestone, we've brought the increasingly-rare original team of co-hosts back together for a bit of a meta-episode all about podcasts — specifically, the recent news that Spotify has acquired Gimlet Media for the impressive and, to many, surprising sum of $230-million. Mike joined by Dennis Yang and Hersh Reddy to discuss what Spotify might be up to, and just how big the podcasting business really is.We can hardly believe it, but as of this moment w…We can hardly believe it, but as of this moment we've released 200 episodes of the Techdirt podcast! For this milestone, we've brought the increasingly-rare original team of co-hosts back together for a bit of a meta-episode all about podcasts — specifically, the recent news that Spotify has acquired Gimlet Media for the impressive and, to many, surprising sum of $230-million. Mike joined by Dennis Yang and Hersh Reddy to discuss what Spotify might be up to, and just how big the podcasting business really is.tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/574353168From Apple To The ACLU, With Jon CallasTue, 12 Feb 2019 20:36:40 +0000https://soundcloud.com/techdirt/from-apple-to-the-aclu-with-jon-callas
01:02:24TechdirtnoJon Callas has been at the forefront of computer security issues for a long time, most recently as the head of Apple's team of internal hackers that try to break into the company's own products. But just a couple of months ago, he made a change, and left Apple to work on tech policy at the ACLU. This week, he joins us on the podcast to discuss the new job, computer security policy, and the latest phase of the crypto-wars.Jon Callas has been at the forefront of computer …Jon Callas has been at the forefront of computer security issues for a long time, most recently as the head of Apple's team of internal hackers that try to break into the company's own products. But just a couple of months ago, he made a change, and left Apple to work on tech policy at the ACLU. This week, he joins us on the podcast to discuss the new job, computer security policy, and the latest phase of the crypto-wars.tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/570730197Life Without The Tech GiantsTue, 05 Feb 2019 21:13:52 +0000https://soundcloud.com/techdirt/life-without-the-tech-giants
00:53:33TechdirtnoOne of the most common responses to various complaints about giant tech companies is that you can just not use their products and services. Many people have pointed out just how difficult that would really be, but Gizmodo's Kashmir Hill decided to try it for real: she cut Amazon, Facebook, Google, Microsoft, and Apple out of her life for a week each, followed by a week without any of them. Her report on that final, empty week is coming out soon, but in the mean time she joins us on the podcast to talk about what it's like to live without big tech.One of the most common responses to various compl…One of the most common responses to various complaints about giant tech companies is that you can just not use their products and services. Many people have pointed out just how difficult that would really be, but Gizmodo's Kashmir Hill decided to try it for real: she cut Amazon, Facebook, Google, Microsoft, and Apple out of her life for a week each, followed by a week without any of them. Her report on that final, empty week is coming out soon, but in the mean time she joins us on the podcast to talk about what it's like to live without big tech.tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/566780859The Grand Re-Opening Of The Public DomainTue, 29 Jan 2019 20:45:03 +0000https://soundcloud.com/techdirt/the-grand-re-opening-of-the-public-domain
00:47:24TechdirtnoAs our readers surely know by now, 2019 is the first time in a long time that new works have actually entered the public domain in the US! The Internet Archive and Creative Commons hosted a celebration of this fact, and this week we're joined by IA's Lila Bailey and CC's Timothy Vollmer to talk about that event and the exciting possibilities of a re-opened public domain.As our readers surely know by now, 2019 is the fi…As our readers surely know by now, 2019 is the first time in a long time that new works have actually entered the public domain in the US! The Internet Archive and Creative Commons hosted a celebration of this fact, and this week we're joined by IA's Lila Bailey and CC's Timothy Vollmer to talk about that event and the exciting possibilities of a re-opened public domain.tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/563091471The CES 2019 Post-MortemTue, 22 Jan 2019 21:10:40 +0000https://soundcloud.com/techdirt/the-ces-2019-post-mortem
01:00:29TechdirtnoIt's that time again! Mike spent the week before last at this year's Consumer Electronics Show, checking out all the latest technology that companies are most eager to show off, and now once again he's joined on the podcast by CES veteran Rob Pegoraro for the CES 2019 Post-Mortem.It's that time again! Mike spent the week before …It's that time again! Mike spent the week before last at this year's Consumer Electronics Show, checking out all the latest technology that companies are most eager to show off, and now once again he's joined on the podcast by CES veteran Rob Pegoraro for the CES 2019 Post-Mortem.tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/559576152The EU Endangers Free Speech Online... AgainTue, 15 Jan 2019 20:46:55 +0000https://soundcloud.com/techdirt/the-eu-endangers-free-speech-online-again
01:00:52TechdirtnoThe latest in the EU's string of internet regulatory efforts has a new target: terrorist propaganda. Just as with past regulations, the proposed rules seem onerous and insane, creating huge liability for internet platforms that fail to do the impossible. This week, we're joined by returning guests Daphne Keller from Stanford's Center For Internet And Society and Emma Llansó from the Center for Democracy and Technology to discuss this most recent danger to online free speech in the EU.The latest in the EU's string of internet regulat…The latest in the EU's string of internet regulatory efforts has a new target: terrorist propaganda. Just as with past regulations, the proposed rules seem onerous and insane, creating huge liability for internet platforms that fail to do the impossible. This week, we're joined by returning guests Daphne Keller from Stanford's Center For Internet And Society and Emma Llansó from the Center for Democracy and Technology to discuss this most recent danger to online free speech in the EU.tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/556048875Ninja Future, With Gary ShapiroTue, 08 Jan 2019 21:03:31 +0000https://soundcloud.com/techdirt/ninja-future-with-gary-shapiro
00:44:48TechdirtnoToday, Mike is at the opening of the Consumer Technology Association's CES 2019 show — which means we'll have one of our CES post-mortem podcasts coming up soon! But before that, for this first episode of 2019, we've got a discussion with CTA CEO Gary Shapiro, whose new book Ninja Future takes a look at how people and businesses are dealing with innovation and rapid technological change.Today, Mike is at the opening of the Consumer Tec…Today, Mike is at the opening of the Consumer Technology Association's CES 2019 show — which means we'll have one of our CES post-mortem podcasts coming up soon! But before that, for this first episode of 2019, we've got a discussion with CTA CEO Gary Shapiro, whose new book Ninja Future takes a look at how people and businesses are dealing with innovation and rapid technological change.tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/546916341Can Anyone Disrupt The Disruptors?Tue, 18 Dec 2018 19:50:13 +0000https://soundcloud.com/techdirt/can-anyone-disrupt-the-disruptors
00:55:09TechdirtnoCan Anyone Disrupt The Disruptors? by TechdirtCan Anyone Disrupt The Disruptors? by TechdirtCan Anyone Disrupt The Disruptors? by Techdirttag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/543594189Section 230 And Political BiasTue, 11 Dec 2018 21:23:29 +0000https://soundcloud.com/techdirt/section-230-and-political-bias
00:56:46TechdirtnoWe've got another panel discussion from the Lincoln Network's Reboot conference this week, all about the law on everyone's minds lately: Section 230 of the CDA. The debate includes law professor Eric Goldman, the EFF's Corynne McSherry, and Dr. Jerry A. Johnson from National Religious Broadcasters, offering up a wide spectrum of opinions on Section 230 and political bias.We've got another panel discussion from the Linco…We've got another panel discussion from the Lincoln Network's Reboot conference this week, all about the law on everyone's minds lately: Section 230 of the CDA. The debate includes law professor Eric Goldman, the EFF's Corynne McSherry, and Dr. Jerry A. Johnson from National Religious Broadcasters, offering up a wide spectrum of opinions on Section 230 and political bias.tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/539829588Free Speech Disorder, With Mike GodwinTue, 04 Dec 2018 20:45:44 +0000https://soundcloud.com/techdirt/free-speech-disorder-with-mike-godwin
00:42:28TechdirtnoLast week, we published a series of posts by Mike Godwin looking at Our Bipolar Free Speech Disorder And How To Fix It (check out part one, part two, and part three). But with a topic like this, there's always more to dig into, so this week we've got Mike Godwin joining the podcast to take a closer look at his ideas about free speech in the digital era.Last week, we published a series of posts by Mike…Last week, we published a series of posts by Mike Godwin looking at Our Bipolar Free Speech Disorder And How To Fix It (check out part one, part two, and part three). But with a topic like this, there's always more to dig into, so this week we've got Mike Godwin joining the podcast to take a closer look at his ideas about free speech in the digital era.tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/536409852Should We Break Up Big Tech?Tue, 27 Nov 2018 21:07:12 +0000https://soundcloud.com/techdirt/should-we-break-up-big-tech
00:54:23TechdirtnoA few weeks ago, we featured a panel discussion with Mike and others at the Lincoln Network's Reboot conference on the podcast. This week we're doing something a little different and featuring another panel discussion from that conference, but one in which Mike wasn't involved. Instead, it's an interesting — and at times contentious — debate about one big question: do the big tech firms need to be broken up?A few weeks ago, we featured a panel discussion w…A few weeks ago, we featured a panel discussion with Mike and others at the Lincoln Network's Reboot conference on the podcast. This week we're doing something a little different and featuring another panel discussion from that conference, but one in which Mike wasn't involved. Instead, it's an interesting — and at times contentious — debate about one big question: do the big tech firms need to be broken up?tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/529455591What The Hell Is Initiative Q?Tue, 13 Nov 2018 21:18:13 +0000https://soundcloud.com/techdirt/what-the-hell-is-initiative-q
00:47:53TechdirtnoBy now, there's a good chance you've received an invitation to join Initiative Q, and also a good chance that you took one look at it and thought "wow, this seems extremely sketchy." And indeed, there's little reason (other than hopefulness) to see the strange new proposed payment system as anything but a pyramid scheme. But it's got people talking, thanks in no small part to its viral marketing scheme, so this week's episode is all about trying to figure out just what Initiative Q really is.By now, there's a good chance you've received an …By now, there's a good chance you've received an invitation to join Initiative Q, and also a good chance that you took one look at it and thought "wow, this seems extremely sketchy." And indeed, there's little reason (other than hopefulness) to see the strange new proposed payment system as anything but a pyramid scheme. But it's got people talking, thanks in no small part to its viral marketing scheme, so this week's episode is all about trying to figure out just what Initiative Q really is.tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/525770961Government, Activism & Silicon ValleyTue, 06 Nov 2018 19:36:53 +0000https://soundcloud.com/techdirt/government-activism-silicon-valley
00:55:43TechdirtnoIn late September, Mike joined a panel at the Lincoln Network's Reboot conference to tackle the question "will rising activism limit government’s access to Silicon Valley?" along with Trae Stephens, Pablo E. Carrillo, with moderator Katie McAuliffe. For this week's episode, we've got the full audio from that panel plus an additional introduction from Mike with some thoughts after the fact. Enjoy!In late September, Mike joined a panel at the Lin…In late September, Mike joined a panel at the Lincoln Network's Reboot conference to tackle the question "will rising activism limit government’s access to Silicon Valley?" along with Trae Stephens, Pablo E. Carrillo, with moderator Katie McAuliffe. For this week's episode, we've got the full audio from that panel plus an additional introduction from Mike with some thoughts after the fact. Enjoy!tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/522317304AI, Free Speech & Human RightsTue, 30 Oct 2018 20:24:10 +0000https://soundcloud.com/techdirt/ai-free-speech-human-rights
00:54:05TechdirtnoAs artificial intelligence technology marches onwards, it's raising a lot of complicated questions about free speech, privacy, and important rights. One person who's been thinking a lot about these questions is David Kaye, the UN Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression, who recently published a thorough report [pdf] on the subject. This week, David joins us on the podcast to discuss artificial intelligence and its implications for human rights.As artificial intelligence technology marches onw…As artificial intelligence technology marches onwards, it's raising a lot of complicated questions about free speech, privacy, and important rights. One person who's been thinking a lot about these questions is David Kaye, the UN Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression, who recently published a thorough report [pdf] on the subject. This week, David joins us on the podcast to discuss artificial intelligence and its implications for human rights.tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/511952085Free Speech & Content Moderation (Panel Discussion)Tue, 09 Oct 2018 20:11:05 +0000https://soundcloud.com/techdirt/free-speech-content-moderation-panel-discussion
01:03:02TechdirtnoFor this week's episode of the podcast, we're featuring a recent panel discussion from Mozilla's Speaker Series. Mike Masnick sat down with Guillaume Chaslot from Algo Transparency, hosted by Mozilla Fellow in Residence Renée DiResta, to talk about the challenges of online content moderation and its implications for freedom of expression. Enjoy!For this week's episode of the podcast, we're fea…For this week's episode of the podcast, we're featuring a recent panel discussion from Mozilla's Speaker Series. Mike Masnick sat down with Guillaume Chaslot from Algo Transparency, hosted by Mozilla Fellow in Residence Renée DiResta, to talk about the challenges of online content moderation and its implications for freedom of expression. Enjoy!tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/508594413Building New Senses (Plus The Possible End Of The World)Tue, 02 Oct 2018 20:24:25 +0000https://soundcloud.com/techdirt/building-new-senses-plus-the-possible-end-of-the-world
01:20:37TechdirtnoThis week, we've got a special cross-post from Rob Reid's excellent After On podcast. After a conversation between Mike and Rob about the possible end of the world, we pivot to the full episode of After On in which Rob talks to neuroscientist David Eagleman about his fascinating work using technology to create new human senses. We hope you enjoy it!This week, we've got a special cross-post from Ro…This week, we've got a special cross-post from Rob Reid's excellent After On podcast. After a conversation between Mike and Rob about the possible end of the world, we pivot to the full episode of After On in which Rob talks to neuroscientist David Eagleman about his fascinating work using technology to create new human senses. We hope you enjoy it!tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/505113672Life Insurance, Life SurveillanceTue, 25 Sep 2018 19:45:50 +0000https://soundcloud.com/techdirt/life-insurance-life-surveillance
00:40:50TechdirtnoA major insurance company recently announced that it would offer discounts on life insurance to customers who wear activity trackers and log data showing they live a healthy lifestyle. This understandably freaked out some people, but there are interesting aspects to the idea as well. There's plenty to consider, so this week regular hosts Mike, Hersh and Dennis discuss whether this is an exciting innovation, a worrying expansion of surveillance culture, or both.A major insurance company recently announced that…A major insurance company recently announced that it would offer discounts on life insurance to customers who wear activity trackers and log data showing they live a healthy lifestyle. This understandably freaked out some people, but there are interesting aspects to the idea as well. There's plenty to consider, so this week regular hosts Mike, Hersh and Dennis discuss whether this is an exciting innovation, a worrying expansion of surveillance culture, or both.tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/501767190No Easy Answers For Content ModerationTue, 18 Sep 2018 19:30:25 +0000https://soundcloud.com/techdirt/no-easy-answers-for-content-moderation
00:50:23TechdirtnoWe've done it — we've solved the challenge of content moderation! (Checks notes). No, wait, sorry: we haven't. But what we have done is invited Kate Klonick, law professor and author of the excellent paper The New Governors: The People, Rules, and Processes Governing Online Speech, to join us for an in-depth discussion about how we got here and why there are no easy or simple answers for content moderation.We've done it — we've solved the challenge of con…We've done it — we've solved the challenge of content moderation! (Checks notes). No, wait, sorry: we haven't. But what we have done is invited Kate Klonick, law professor and author of the excellent paper The New Governors: The People, Rules, and Processes Governing Online Speech, to join us for an in-depth discussion about how we got here and why there are no easy or simple answers for content moderation.tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/498547989Anonymity In The Media & OnlineTue, 11 Sep 2018 20:09:06 +0000https://soundcloud.com/techdirt/anonymity-in-the-media-online
00:40:37TechdirtnoAnonymity is back in the news in a big way, especially since the New York Times published an explosive opinion piece by an anonymous White House official. Here at Techdirt — proudly one of the few blogs that still allows completely anonymous comments with no sign-up — we've talked about anonymity for a long time in the context of the internet. On this week's episode, Mike and regular co-hosts Dennis Yang and Hersh Reddy talk about the benefits, challenges, and overall importance of anonymous speech.Anonymity is back in the news in a big way, espec…Anonymity is back in the news in a big way, especially since the New York Times published an explosive opinion piece by an anonymous White House official. Here at Techdirt — proudly one of the few blogs that still allows completely anonymous comments with no sign-up — we've talked about anonymity for a long time in the context of the internet. On this week's episode, Mike and regular co-hosts Dennis Yang and Hersh Reddy talk about the benefits, challenges, and overall importance of anonymous speech.tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/495223974There's Always Something New To Learn About CopyrightTue, 04 Sep 2018 20:15:30 +0000https://soundcloud.com/techdirt/theres-always-something-new-to-learn-about-copyright
00:42:42TechdirtnoCopyright is a big, complicated monster of a law, composed of patchwork updates and shaped by international agreements — which is, in fact, the source of a lot of its problems. But fixing copyright means understanding it, so this week we've got a conversation with UCLA professor Neil Netanel, author of the new book Copyright: What Everyone Needs To Know, because there's always something new to learn about copyright.Copyright is a big, complicated monster of a law,…Copyright is a big, complicated monster of a law, composed of patchwork updates and shaped by international agreements — which is, in fact, the source of a lot of its problems. But fixing copyright means understanding it, so this week we've got a conversation with UCLA professor Neil Netanel, author of the new book Copyright: What Everyone Needs To Know, because there's always something new to learn about copyright.tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/491950917Do Short-Term Profits Hurt Long-Term Innovation?Tue, 28 Aug 2018 19:42:26 +0000https://soundcloud.com/techdirt/do-short-term-profits-hurt-long-term-innovation
00:46:11TechdirtnoIs the way companies are currently structured and operated conducive to long-term innovation? It's a tough question, but there are plenty of reasons to consider that short-term profit incentives might be getting in the way of better overall innovation strategies — and lots of possibilities for how we might rethink companies to change this. This week, the regular crew of Mike, Hersh and Dennis discuss how this problem could be addressed, and whether there's truly a problem at all.Is the way companies are currently structured and…Is the way companies are currently structured and operated conducive to long-term innovation? It's a tough question, but there are plenty of reasons to consider that short-term profit incentives might be getting in the way of better overall innovation strategies — and lots of possibilities for how we might rethink companies to change this. This week, the regular crew of Mike, Hersh and Dennis discuss how this problem could be addressed, and whether there's truly a problem at all.tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/489148548Emoji & The LawWed, 22 Aug 2018 18:21:21 +0000https://soundcloud.com/techdirt/emoji-the-law
00:51:16TechdirtnoHave you ever thought about the legal issues surrounding emoji? Don't worry, most people haven't. But they are myriad and interesting, with roots nearly two decades ago following the emergence of emoticons — and two people who definitely have thought a lot about it are Eric Goldman and Gabriella Ziccarelli, who join us on this week's episode to talk about the various intersections of emoji and the law.Have you ever thought about the legal issues surr…Have you ever thought about the legal issues surrounding emoji? Don't worry, most people haven't. But they are myriad and interesting, with roots nearly two decades ago following the emergence of emoticons — and two people who definitely have thought a lot about it are Eric Goldman and Gabriella Ziccarelli, who join us on this week's episode to talk about the various intersections of emoji and the law.tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/485591448Old Tweets & Your Permanent RecordTue, 14 Aug 2018 20:42:33 +0000https://soundcloud.com/techdirt/old-tweets-your-permanent-record
00:50:21TechdirtnoThere has long been anxiety around the "permanent record" of the internet, and recent public shamings based on old tweets have brought that fear to the forefront for many people. But the mass deletion of old tweets also means throwing out huge amounts of potentially valuable information. Is there a technological solution? A cultural one? This week, we're joined by returning guests Cathy Gellis and Parker Higgins to discuss a proposal for fixing the problem without sacrificing the permanent record.There has long been anxiety around the "permanent…There has long been anxiety around the "permanent record" of the internet, and recent public shamings based on old tweets have brought that fear to the forefront for many people. But the mass deletion of old tweets also means throwing out huge amounts of potentially valuable information. Is there a technological solution? A cultural one? This week, we're joined by returning guests Cathy Gellis and Parker Higgins to discuss a proposal for fixing the problem without sacrificing the permanent record.tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/482467281Why People Don't Trust Capitalism AnymoreTue, 07 Aug 2018 20:26:41 +0000https://soundcloud.com/techdirt/why-people-dont-trust-capitalism-anymore
00:57:42TechdirtnoThe tides of public opinion on economics seem to be shifting, and criticism of the very idea of free markets is on the ride. The conversation is messy, confusing, and transcends many traditional political boundaries — so we've got an expert source to help us dig in. EconTalk host Russ Roberts joins us to look at why so many people don't trust capitalism anymore.The tides of public opinion on economics seem to …The tides of public opinion on economics seem to be shifting, and criticism of the very idea of free markets is on the ride. The conversation is messy, confusing, and transcends many traditional political boundaries — so we've got an expert source to help us dig in. EconTalk host Russ Roberts joins us to look at why so many people don't trust capitalism anymore.tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/479360508The EU's Copyright Threat To The Open InternetTue, 31 Jul 2018 20:21:59 +0000https://soundcloud.com/techdirt/the-eus-copyright-threat-to-the-open-internet
00:45:55TechdirtnoWe've got a crossover episode this week, all about the EU's disastrous moves on the copyright front. Mike recently joined the Building Tomorrow podcast to discuss the subject with Paul Matzko and Will Duffield, and now you can listen to it here on this week's episode of the Techdirt Podcast.We've got a crossover episode this week, all abou…We've got a crossover episode this week, all about the EU's disastrous moves on the copyright front. Mike recently joined the Building Tomorrow podcast to discuss the subject with Paul Matzko and Will Duffield, and now you can listen to it here on this week's episode of the Techdirt Podcast.tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/476188611Building Communities Outside FacebookTue, 24 Jul 2018 19:44:17 +0000https://soundcloud.com/techdirt/building-communities-outside-facebook
00:54:49TechdirtnoOne thing we've talked about for a long time at Techdirt is the importance communities for media outlets, including our own. These days, it feels like a lot of media companies are giving up on this work altogether and outsourcing it to social media platforms — but that means foregoing some of the most powerful aspects of the internet. This week, we're joined by Josh Millard, who recently took over MetaFilter, to talk about building online communities and not relying on Facebook.One thing we've talked about for a long time at T…One thing we've talked about for a long time at Techdirt is the importance communities for media outlets, including our own. These days, it feels like a lot of media companies are giving up on this work altogether and outsourcing it to social media platforms — but that means foregoing some of the most powerful aspects of the internet. This week, we're joined by Josh Millard, who recently took over MetaFilter, to talk about building online communities and not relying on Facebook.tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/473014887How Private Agreements Recreated SOPATue, 17 Jul 2018 19:36:48 +0000https://soundcloud.com/techdirt/how-private-agreements-recreated-sopa
00:54:08TechdirtnoOne of the most dangerous aspects of SOPA and other copyright proposals is the idea of moving enforcement and liability further down the stack of technology that powers the internet, even all the way to the DNS system. Although SOPA's DNS-blocking proposals were heavily criticized and the bill ultimately defeated, the idea of deep-level copyright enforcement has lived on and been implemented without changes to the law. This week our returning guest, law professor Annemarie Bridy, discusses how private agreements have quietly recreated some of the worst aspects of SOPA.One of the most dangerous aspects of SOPA and oth…One of the most dangerous aspects of SOPA and other copyright proposals is the idea of moving enforcement and liability further down the stack of technology that powers the internet, even all the way to the DNS system. Although SOPA's DNS-blocking proposals were heavily criticized and the bill ultimately defeated, the idea of deep-level copyright enforcement has lived on and been implemented without changes to the law. This week our returning guest, law professor Annemarie Bridy, discusses how private agreements have quietly recreated some of the worst aspects of SOPA.tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/469909236Sci-Fi & Scenario PlanningTue, 10 Jul 2018 19:17:22 +0000https://soundcloud.com/techdirt/sci-fi-scenario-planning
00:46:04TechdirtnoEliot Peper is a novelist who uses thorough research and creative thinking to produce science fiction that can feel more like eerily-accurate prognostication. Exploring possible futures with real insight has always been one of sci-fi's greatest strengths, and this week Peper joins Mike on the podcast to discuss his work, methods, and ideas about tomorrow.
Eliot Peper - http://www.eliotpeper.com/Eliot Peper is a novelist who uses thorough resea…Eliot Peper is a novelist who uses thorough research and creative thinking to produce science fiction that can feel more like eerily-accurate prognostication. Exploring possible futures with real insight has always been one of sci-fi's greatest strengths, and this week Peper joins Mike on the podcast to discuss his work, methods, and ideas about tomorrow.
Eliot Peper - http://www.eliotpeper.com/tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/463833573Are Tech And Journalism Att Odds With Each Other?Tue, 26 Jun 2018 20:02:24 +0000https://soundcloud.com/techdirt/are-tech-and-journalism-att-odds-with-each-other
00:53:01TechdirtnoBetween Elon Musk's proposal for a website ranking the credibility of journalists and Tim Draper blaming the collapse of Theranos on the press (not to mention Peter Thiel's attack on Gawker), it feels like there's a war brewing between Silicon Valley and journalism. Though the press has some major problems, it really seems like tech entrepreneurs are misunderstanding how it works and proposing some dangerous ideas. This week, we discuss the tensions between tech and journalism, and what will come from the proposals to address it.Between Elon Musk's proposal for a website rankin…Between Elon Musk's proposal for a website ranking the credibility of journalists and Tim Draper blaming the collapse of Theranos on the press (not to mention Peter Thiel's attack on Gawker), it feels like there's a war brewing between Silicon Valley and journalism. Though the press has some major problems, it really seems like tech entrepreneurs are misunderstanding how it works and proposing some dangerous ideas. This week, we discuss the tensions between tech and journalism, and what will come from the proposals to address it.tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/460605252Debating Steam's New Hands-Off PolicyTue, 19 Jun 2018 20:17:26 +0000https://soundcloud.com/techdirt/debating-steams-new-hands-off-policy
00:46:42TechdirtnoRecently, Valve sent waves through the PC gaming world by announcing an upcoming policy change for its Steam platform: it will no longer enforce specific content rules and will allow all games as long as they aren't illegal or "straight-up trolling". Though it's not exactly clear what this means, the reaction from the gaming press has been largely negative, and it's hard to say how the new policy will be implemented — so this week myself, Tim Geigner and Cathy Gellis join the podcast to discuss just what's going to happen on the biggest platform for PC games.Recently, Valve sent waves through the PC gaming …Recently, Valve sent waves through the PC gaming world by announcing an upcoming policy change for its Steam platform: it will no longer enforce specific content rules and will allow all games as long as they aren't illegal or "straight-up trolling". Though it's not exactly clear what this means, the reaction from the gaming press has been largely negative, and it's hard to say how the new policy will be implemented — so this week myself, Tim Geigner and Cathy Gellis join the podcast to discuss just what's going to happen on the biggest platform for PC games.tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/457460136Are E-Scooters A Problem?Tue, 12 Jun 2018 19:45:14 +0000https://soundcloud.com/techdirt/are-e-scooters-a-problem
00:49:45TechdirtnoThe latest entrant on the decentralized transportation scene is the suddenly-ubiquitous electric scooters that are taking over San Francisco and other cities. Their appearance has triggered the inevitable controversy, with some saying they are ruining cities while others laud their convenience for urbanites. And, of course, a regulatory battle wasn't far behind. On this week's episode, we discuss the e-scooter trend and its many pros and cons.The latest entrant on the decentralized transport…The latest entrant on the decentralized transportation scene is the suddenly-ubiquitous electric scooters that are taking over San Francisco and other cities. Their appearance has triggered the inevitable controversy, with some saying they are ruining cities while others laud their convenience for urbanites. And, of course, a regulatory battle wasn't far behind. On this week's episode, we discuss the e-scooter trend and its many pros and cons.tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/454261104MEP Julia Reda On EU's Dangerous Copyright ProposalTue, 05 Jun 2018 20:08:23 +0000https://soundcloud.com/techdirt/mep-julia-reda-on-eus-dangerous-copyright-proposal
01:05:19TechdirtnoAs we've noted recently, the current copyright reform proposal being considered by the EU is full of extremely dangerous ideas, from mandated filters to a "link tax". This week, we're joined by European Parliament member Julia Reda to talk about the details of the regulatory process and the problems with the current proposal.As we've noted recently, the current copyright re…As we've noted recently, the current copyright reform proposal being considered by the EU is full of extremely dangerous ideas, from mandated filters to a "link tax". This week, we're joined by European Parliament member Julia Reda to talk about the details of the regulatory process and the problems with the current proposal.tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/450900123Rob Reid's Mind-Bending PodcastTue, 29 May 2018 20:21:34 +0000https://soundcloud.com/techdirt/rob-reids-mind-bending-podcast
00:46:26TechdirtnoWe've talked about author Rob Reid many times on Techdirt, and had him on the podcast once before. Now, in what started as a project to promote his latest novel, Reid is hosting a podcast called After On, which tackles some pretty crazy real-world topics — from alien life to mind-reading technology — befitting a science fiction writer. This week, he returns to our podcast to discuss what it's like interviewing big thinkers about mind-bending ideas.We've talked about author Rob Reid many times on …We've talked about author Rob Reid many times on Techdirt, and had him on the podcast once before. Now, in what started as a project to promote his latest novel, Reid is hosting a podcast called After On, which tackles some pretty crazy real-world topics — from alien life to mind-reading technology — befitting a science fiction writer. This week, he returns to our podcast to discuss what it's like interviewing big thinkers about mind-bending ideas.tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/446151942CIA: Collect It AllSat, 19 May 2018 05:20:09 +0000https://soundcloud.com/techdirt/cia-collect-it-all
00:39:51TechdirtnoWe're nearing the end of the Kickstarter campaign for CIA: Collect It All, our polished and fully-playable version of a formerly top secret card game used by the CIA to train new recruits. In this special Saturday edition of the podcast, the three of us working on the project — myself, Mike, and Randy Lubin of Diegetic Games — sit down to talk all about what players can expect from CIA: Collect It All.
Our Kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/mmasnick/cia-collect-it-all?ref=2ivphkWe're nearing the end of the Kickstarter campaign…We're nearing the end of the Kickstarter campaign for CIA: Collect It All, our polished and fully-playable version of a formerly top secret card game used by the CIA to train new recruits. In this special Saturday edition of the podcast, the three of us working on the project — myself, Mike, and Randy Lubin of Diegetic Games — sit down to talk all about what players can expect from CIA: Collect It All.
Our Kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/mmasnick/cia-collect-it-all?ref=2ivphktag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/441254685How The Courts Created The Surveillance StateTue, 08 May 2018 19:26:49 +0000https://soundcloud.com/techdirt/how-the-courts-created-the-surveillance-state
01:00:50TechdirtnoThe US has been something of a surveillance state since long before the Snowden revelations that showed the full extent of some of the NSA's activities. A lot of this is made possible — often unintentionally — by decades-old court decisions regarding technology. It's a problem. This week, reporter Cyrus Farivar — whose new book Habeas Data digs into this judicial history — joins us to discuss how courts created the surveillance state.
Habeas Data - https://www.mhpbooks.com/books/habeas-data/The US has been something of a surveillance state…The US has been something of a surveillance state since long before the Snowden revelations that showed the full extent of some of the NSA's activities. A lot of this is made possible — often unintentionally — by decades-old court decisions regarding technology. It's a problem. This week, reporter Cyrus Farivar — whose new book Habeas Data digs into this judicial history — joins us to discuss how courts created the surveillance state.
Habeas Data - https://www.mhpbooks.com/books/habeas-data/tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/437958942Is "Free" Bad?Tue, 01 May 2018 20:10:24 +0000https://soundcloud.com/techdirt/is-free-bad
00:48:05TechdirtnoIn the last few years, a lot of the conversation around technology in general has shifted its focus from excitement about the obvious benefits to concern about its downfalls and side effects. It even feels like there's a general sense that "technology is bad for society" in a lot of places. This comes with a lot of associated myths, including the prominent idea that "if you're not paying for something, you're the product being sold" — an idea that is, at best a massive oversimplification. So on this week's podcast we're discussing the changing cultural attitudes towards technology, especially free online services and the many myths and misunderstandings about how they operate.In the last few years, a lot of the conversation …In the last few years, a lot of the conversation around technology in general has shifted its focus from excitement about the obvious benefits to concern about its downfalls and side effects. It even feels like there's a general sense that "technology is bad for society" in a lot of places. This comes with a lot of associated myths, including the prominent idea that "if you're not paying for something, you're the product being sold" — an idea that is, at best a massive oversimplification. So on this week's podcast we're discussing the changing cultural attitudes towards technology, especially free online services and the many myths and misunderstandings about how they operate.tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/435125208Getting News Without Social MediaWed, 25 Apr 2018 19:46:22 +0000https://soundcloud.com/techdirt/getting-news-without-social-media
00:54:21TechdirtnoSocial media can be an extremely powerful tool for gathering, finding and sharing the news. It can also be... a bit of a disaster. It would be nice if such an important question had a simple answer, but they never do, do they? So this week, we're discussing and dissecting whether or not social media is "good" for the way we consume the news.Social media can be an extremely powerful tool fo…Social media can be an extremely powerful tool for gathering, finding and sharing the news. It can also be... a bit of a disaster. It would be nice if such an important question had a simple answer, but they never do, do they? So this week, we're discussing and dissecting whether or not social media is "good" for the way we consume the news.tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/431178132Teaching The Law Via PodcastsTue, 17 Apr 2018 20:26:12 +0000https://soundcloud.com/techdirt/teaching-the-law-via-podcasts
00:42:48TechdirtnoLaw isn't simple, and truly learning about it takes more than a few short primers or even an in-depth guide or two — which makes it the perfect topic to explore via the medium of podcasts. This week, we've got a pair of guests who are doing exactly that: Ken White of Popehat fame, who recently launched the Make No Law podcast about First Amendment issues, and Elizabeth Joh, co-host of the What Trump Can Teach Us About Constitutional Law podcast. Instead of picking their brains about the law itself, we've got an episode all about their experience using podcasts to teach people about legal issues.Law isn't simple, and truly learning about it tak…Law isn't simple, and truly learning about it takes more than a few short primers or even an in-depth guide or two — which makes it the perfect topic to explore via the medium of podcasts. This week, we've got a pair of guests who are doing exactly that: Ken White of Popehat fame, who recently launched the Make No Law podcast about First Amendment issues, and Elizabeth Joh, co-host of the What Trump Can Teach Us About Constitutional Law podcast. Instead of picking their brains about the law itself, we've got an episode all about their experience using podcasts to teach people about legal issues.tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/427821168Can The Blockchain Save Publishers?Tue, 10 Apr 2018 20:07:46 +0000https://soundcloud.com/techdirt/can-the-blockchain-save-publishers
00:48:10TechdirtnoAfter the recent launch of po.et, which aims to use the blockchain to create a new business model for digital media companies, Mike was... unconvinced. This led to a Twitter discussion with CEO Jarrod Dicker, which in turn led to a longer in-person conversation about the ideas behind the service and where it might go — and you can listen to the whole thing on this week's podcast episode.After the recent launch of po.et, which aims to u…After the recent launch of po.et, which aims to use the blockchain to create a new business model for digital media companies, Mike was... unconvinced. This led to a Twitter discussion with CEO Jarrod Dicker, which in turn led to a longer in-person conversation about the ideas behind the service and where it might go — and you can listen to the whole thing on this week's podcast episode.tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/424277688How One Court Just Screwed Up Software DevelopmentTue, 03 Apr 2018 18:18:41 +0000https://soundcloud.com/techdirt/how-one-court-just-screwed-up-software-development
00:48:08TechdirtnoWe've already written about the insanity of the appeals court overturning Google's fair use victory against Oracle — but there's plenty to dig into regarding just how bad the ruling is. This week, we're joined by Pamela Samuelson, a law professor and co-director of the Center for Law & Technology at Berkeley, to discuss what the court just did to the world of software development.We've already written about the insanity of the a…We've already written about the insanity of the appeals court overturning Google's fair use victory against Oracle — but there's plenty to dig into regarding just how bad the ruling is. This week, we're joined by Pamela Samuelson, a law professor and co-director of the Center for Law & Technology at Berkeley, to discuss what the court just did to the world of software development.tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/420960969Overreacting To Facebook's Mistakes Won't Solve AnythingTue, 27 Mar 2018 19:13:44 +0000https://soundcloud.com/techdirt/overreacting-to-facebooks-mistakes-wont-solve-anything
00:49:22TechdirtnoFacebook. Cambridge Analytica. Need I say more? There's plenty to discuss. Among them is the question of similarities between what happened and the Obama campaign — which is why we're lucky to be joined this week by Catherine Bracy, who led the Obama campaign's San Francisco tech office, and worked on its Facebook app, for a discussion about what really went down with Cambridge Analytica, and all the misinformation that's out there.Facebook. Cambridge Analytica. Need I say more? T…Facebook. Cambridge Analytica. Need I say more? There's plenty to discuss. Among them is the question of similarities between what happened and the Obama campaign — which is why we're lucky to be joined this week by Catherine Bracy, who led the Obama campaign's San Francisco tech office, and worked on its Facebook app, for a discussion about what really went down with Cambridge Analytica, and all the misinformation that's out there.tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/416702379What Does It Mean For Social Media To Be Held Accountable?Tue, 20 Mar 2018 20:19:47 +0000https://soundcloud.com/techdirt/what-does-it-mean-for-social-media-to-be-held-accountable
01:01:54TechdirtnoThis isn't the first time we've discussed this on the podcast, and it probably won't be the last — disinformation online is a big and complicated topic, and there are a whole lot of angles to approach it from. This week, we're joined by Renee DiResta, who has been researching disinformation ever since the anti-vaxxer movement caught her attention, to discuss what exactly it means to say social media platforms should be held accountable.This isn't the first time we've discussed this on…This isn't the first time we've discussed this on the podcast, and it probably won't be the last — disinformation online is a big and complicated topic, and there are a whole lot of angles to approach it from. This week, we're joined by Renee DiResta, who has been researching disinformation ever since the anti-vaxxer movement caught her attention, to discuss what exactly it means to say social media platforms should be held accountable.tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/413197635How MoviePass Makes MoneyTue, 13 Mar 2018 19:59:13 +0000https://soundcloud.com/techdirt/how-moviepass-makes-money
00:47:55TechdirtnoThe apparent success of MoviePass raises a whole bunch of interesting business model questions — and privacy concerns about the data-harvesting portion of that business model add another layer of complexity. So this week, we're going back to a good old-fashioned formula for the podcast, and dedicating an episode to examining the company in detail and trying to figure out where it might be headed.The apparent success of MoviePass raises a whole …The apparent success of MoviePass raises a whole bunch of interesting business model questions — and privacy concerns about the data-harvesting portion of that business model add another layer of complexity. So this week, we're going back to a good old-fashioned formula for the podcast, and dedicating an episode to examining the company in detail and trying to figure out where it might be headed.tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/409668675The Worst Of Both Worlds: SESTA & FOSTA TogetherTue, 06 Mar 2018 20:24:14 +0000https://soundcloud.com/techdirt/the-worst-of-both-worlds-sesta-fosta-together
00:39:32TechdirtnoIt wasn't very long ago that we last discussed SESTA on the podcast, but now that the House has voted to approve its version of the bill with SESTA tacked on, it's unfortunately time to dig into the issues again. So this week we're joined by returning guest Emma Llansó from the Center for Democracy and Technology and, for the first time, law professor Eric Goldman to talk about why the combination of SESTA and FOSTA has resulted in the worst of both worlds.It wasn't very long ago that we last discussed SE…It wasn't very long ago that we last discussed SESTA on the podcast, but now that the House has voted to approve its version of the bill with SESTA tacked on, it's unfortunately time to dig into the issues again. So this week we're joined by returning guest Emma Llansó from the Center for Democracy and Technology and, for the first time, law professor Eric Goldman to talk about why the combination of SESTA and FOSTA has resulted in the worst of both worlds.tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/406104957Disrupting GoogleTue, 27 Feb 2018 19:49:45 +0000https://soundcloud.com/techdirt/disrupting-google
00:41:22TechdirtnoWhen a tech company is huge and dominant, it can feel like competing with them is impossible. Worse still, it can sometimes feel like innovating is impossible, since they might just step in and take over as soon as someone executes on a good idea. Once upon a time this was how startups felt about Microsoft, while today it's more likely to be Google or Facebook. But no company, no matter how mighty, is immune to being disrupted — and figuring out how is the subject of this week's episode.When a tech company is huge and dominant, it can …When a tech company is huge and dominant, it can feel like competing with them is impossible. Worse still, it can sometimes feel like innovating is impossible, since they might just step in and take over as soon as someone executes on a good idea. Once upon a time this was how startups felt about Microsoft, while today it's more likely to be Google or Facebook. But no company, no matter how mighty, is immune to being disrupted — and figuring out how is the subject of this week's episode.tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/402633120Lies, Damned Lies & Audience MetricsTue, 20 Feb 2018 20:16:03 +0000https://soundcloud.com/techdirt/lies-damned-lies-audience-metrics
00:55:52TechdirtnoIn 2016, mostly out of frustration, I wrote a post about how traffic is fake, audience numbers are garbage, and nobody knows how many people see anything. My feelings haven't changed much, and neither has the digital advertising ecosystem. And since regular podcast co-host Dennis Yang runs a digital metrics company, it only made sense for us to hash it out on an episode all about audience measurement and how it shapes online advertising.
2016 Post: https://tdrt.io/fOtIn 2016, mostly out of frustration, I wrote a pos…In 2016, mostly out of frustration, I wrote a post about how traffic is fake, audience numbers are garbage, and nobody knows how many people see anything. My feelings haven't changed much, and neither has the digital advertising ecosystem. And since regular podcast co-host Dennis Yang runs a digital metrics company, it only made sense for us to hash it out on an episode all about audience measurement and how it shapes online advertising.
2016 Post: https://tdrt.io/fOttag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/399107646Truth, Trust, Transparency & TribalismTue, 13 Feb 2018 20:11:54 +0000https://soundcloud.com/techdirt/truth-trust-transparency-tribalism
00:57:54TechdirtnoA couple of weeks ago, Mike was in Washington, DC for the State Of The Net conference, where he participated in a panel called Internet Speech: Truth, Trust, Transparency & Tribalism. For this week's podcast, we've got the audio from that conversation with all sorts of interesting ideas about how people are dealing with fake news, trolls, propaganda and more.A couple of weeks ago, Mike was in Washington, DC…A couple of weeks ago, Mike was in Washington, DC for the State Of The Net conference, where he participated in a panel called Internet Speech: Truth, Trust, Transparency & Tribalism. For this week's podcast, we've got the audio from that conversation with all sorts of interesting ideas about how people are dealing with fake news, trolls, propaganda and more.tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/395492907An Interview With Rep Zoe LofgrenTue, 06 Feb 2018 20:32:06 +0000https://soundcloud.com/techdirt/an-interview-with-rep-zoe-lofgren
00:30:01TechdirtnoWhen it comes to many of the legislative issues of interest to us here at Techdirt, we've always been able to count on at least one voice of reason amidst the congressional chaos: Representative Zoe Lofgren from California. In addition to playing a critical role in the fight against SOPA, she continues to be a voice of reason against bad copyright policy, expansive government surveillance, and the broken CFAA, among many other things. This week, she joins Mike on the podcast for a wide-ranging discussion about these topics and more.When it comes to many of the legislative issues o…When it comes to many of the legislative issues of interest to us here at Techdirt, we've always been able to count on at least one voice of reason amidst the congressional chaos: Representative Zoe Lofgren from California. In addition to playing a critical role in the fight against SOPA, she continues to be a voice of reason against bad copyright policy, expansive government surveillance, and the broken CFAA, among many other things. This week, she joins Mike on the podcast for a wide-ranging discussion about these topics and more.tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/392035944Free Speech & The Marketplace Of IdeasTue, 30 Jan 2018 20:25:20 +0000https://soundcloud.com/techdirt/free-speech-the-marketplace-of-ideas
00:45:50TechdirtnoLast week, Mike sparked lots of conversation with his post about rethinking the marketplace of ideas without losing sight of the importance of the fundamental principles of free speech. Naturally, there's plenty more to discuss on that topic, so this week we're joined by Buzzfeed general counsel Nabiha Syed — whose recent article in the Yale Law Journal, Real Talk About Fake News, offered a thorough and insightful look at free speech online — to try to cut through all the simplistic takes on free speech and talk about where things are going.
Mike's post: https://tdrt.io/gCy
Nabiha's article: https://www.yalelawjournal.org/forum/real-talk-about-fake-newsLast week, Mike sparked lots of conversation with…Last week, Mike sparked lots of conversation with his post about rethinking the marketplace of ideas without losing sight of the importance of the fundamental principles of free speech. Naturally, there's plenty more to discuss on that topic, so this week we're joined by Buzzfeed general counsel Nabiha Syed — whose recent article in the Yale Law Journal, Real Talk About Fake News, offered a thorough and insightful look at free speech online — to try to cut through all the simplistic takes on free speech and talk about where things are going.
Mike's post: https://tdrt.io/gCy
Nabiha's article: https://www.yalelawjournal.org/forum/real-talk-about-fake-newstag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/388085843Facebook Won't Save DemocracyTue, 23 Jan 2018 21:05:21 +0000https://soundcloud.com/techdirt/facebook-wont-save-democracy
00:49:33TechdirtnoIn the midst of the political chaos in America and the world at large, a whole lot of attention has been turned to Facebook and its role in modern democracy. The social network has responded by announcing another round of news feed changes, the true impact of which (if any) remains far from clear. This week, we're joined by Mathew Ingram from the Columbia Journalism Review to talk about Facebook's changes, and whether we can or should expect them to fix anything.In the midst of the political chaos in America an…In the midst of the political chaos in America and the world at large, a whole lot of attention has been turned to Facebook and its role in modern democracy. The social network has responded by announcing another round of news feed changes, the true impact of which (if any) remains far from clear. This week, we're joined by Mathew Ingram from the Columbia Journalism Review to talk about Facebook's changes, and whether we can or should expect them to fix anything.tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/384620903The CES 2018 Post-MortemTue, 16 Jan 2018 21:21:56 +0000https://soundcloud.com/techdirt/the-ces-2018-post-mortem
00:54:02TechdirtnoMike was at CES 2018 last week, and now for the third year in a row we've got our special episode of the podcast dedicated to looking at the best (and worst) innovations on show. As usual, he's joined by long-time CES veteran Rob Pegoraro — so without any further preamble, here's the CES 2018 Post-Mortem.Mike was at CES 2018 last week, and now for the t…Mike was at CES 2018 last week, and now for the third year in a row we've got our special episode of the podcast dedicated to looking at the best (and worst) innovations on show. As usual, he's joined by long-time CES veteran Rob Pegoraro — so without any further preamble, here's the CES 2018 Post-Mortem.tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/381196922Barbies v. BratzTue, 09 Jan 2018 20:47:27 +0000https://soundcloud.com/techdirt/barbies-v-bratz
00:55:12TechdirtnoIf you've been reading Techdirt for more than five years, you probably remember the conclusion of Mattel v. MGA — and if you've been reading for more than thirteen years, you might even remember when it started. This epic legal battle over intellectual property went through nearly a decade of rulings and reversals, and the resulting story is a fascinating one that ties in a lot of the topics we discuss here at Techdirt. It's also the subject of the new book You Don't Own Me by law professor Orly Lobel, who joins us on this week's episode to revisit this particular law opera and what it says about the wider world of IP.If you've been reading Techdirt for more than fiv…If you've been reading Techdirt for more than five years, you probably remember the conclusion of Mattel v. MGA — and if you've been reading for more than thirteen years, you might even remember when it started. This epic legal battle over intellectual property went through nearly a decade of rulings and reversals, and the resulting story is a fascinating one that ties in a lot of the topics we discuss here at Techdirt. It's also the subject of the new book You Don't Own Me by law professor Orly Lobel, who joins us on this week's episode to revisit this particular law opera and what it says about the wider world of IP.tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/371810648The Lost Art Of Productive DebateTue, 19 Dec 2017 20:28:43 +0000https://soundcloud.com/techdirt/the-lost-art-of-productive-debate
00:49:43TechdirtnoEven those of us who believe that the internet is overall a tremendous positive force when it comes to discourse and culture can admit that, in many parts of the online world, having constructive and substantive conversations is... difficult. And that issue has most certainly come to the fore in the last couple of years. So this week, we're joined by author Barry Eisler (one of our first and most frequent podcast guests) to tackle the challenge of framing important debates in productive ways, and actually getting somewhere with them.Even those of us who believe that the internet is…Even those of us who believe that the internet is overall a tremendous positive force when it comes to discourse and culture can admit that, in many parts of the online world, having constructive and substantive conversations is... difficult. And that issue has most certainly come to the fore in the last couple of years. So this week, we're joined by author Barry Eisler (one of our first and most frequent podcast guests) to tackle the challenge of framing important debates in productive ways, and actually getting somewhere with them.tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/368619833Games That Tell StoriesTue, 12 Dec 2017 20:08:27 +0000https://soundcloud.com/techdirt/games-that-tell-stories
00:46:01TechdirtnoGaming is changing the nature of storytelling. Video games of course — but also the modern rise of board games, tabletop RPGs and other forms of analog gaming. A good game does more than just arbitrarily pair play with a veneer of narrative, it marries the mechanics and the ideas to enable interesting new ways of conveying and exploring complex ideas. This week, we're joined by game designer Randy Lubin to discuss how games can tell stories in a way nothing else can.Gaming is changing the nature of storytelling. Vi…Gaming is changing the nature of storytelling. Video games of course — but also the modern rise of board games, tabletop RPGs and other forms of analog gaming. A good game does more than just arbitrarily pair play with a veneer of narrative, it marries the mechanics and the ideas to enable interesting new ways of conveying and exploring complex ideas. This week, we're joined by game designer Randy Lubin to discuss how games can tell stories in a way nothing else can.tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/365434883Can A Trivia App Resurrect Appointment Viewing?Tue, 05 Dec 2017 19:49:16 +0000https://soundcloud.com/techdirt/can-a-trivia-app-resurrect-appointment-viewing
00:32:02TechdirtnoNormally, we wouldn't dedicate a whole episode of the podcast to talking about a single app — but every now and then something small comes along that contains innovations worth exploring. So this week, we're taking a look at the hit trivia app HQ, which is one of the first new things in recent memory to gain real momentum with "appointment viewing".Normally, we wouldn't dedicate a whole episode of…Normally, we wouldn't dedicate a whole episode of the podcast to talking about a single app — but every now and then something small comes along that contains innovations worth exploring. So this week, we're taking a look at the hit trivia app HQ, which is one of the first new things in recent memory to gain real momentum with "appointment viewing".tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/362189999Tom Wheeler Reacts To Trump's FCCTue, 28 Nov 2017 21:07:25 +0000https://soundcloud.com/techdirt/tom-wheeler-reacts-to-trumps-fcc
00:37:32TechdirtnoIf you're a Techdirt reader or just a general regular on the ol' internet, our topic this week — the current situation with net neutrality and the FCC — needs little introduction. And we've got two very special guests joining us to discuss it: former FCC Chair Tom Wheeler (author of the rules that Ajit Pai is currently undoing) and his former advisor Gigi Sohn (who joined us on the podcast in February to predict pretty much exactly what is now happening). There are few people as qualified to talk about these issues, so enjoy this week's episode looking at Trump's FCC and the future of the internet as we know it.If you're a Techdirt reader or just a general reg…If you're a Techdirt reader or just a general regular on the ol' internet, our topic this week — the current situation with net neutrality and the FCC — needs little introduction. And we've got two very special guests joining us to discuss it: former FCC Chair Tom Wheeler (author of the rules that Ajit Pai is currently undoing) and his former advisor Gigi Sohn (who joined us on the podcast in February to predict pretty much exactly what is now happening). There are few people as qualified to talk about these issues, so enjoy this week's episode looking at Trump's FCC and the future of the internet as we know it.tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/355759544The Perils Of Internet Platform RegulationTue, 14 Nov 2017 21:01:00 +0000https://soundcloud.com/techdirt/the-perils-of-internet-platform-regulation
00:45:49TechdirtnoWe've been talking about internet platform regulation for a long time, but in the past year these issues have gotten a huge amount of increased focus — for a bunch of fairly obvious reasons. But a lot of people who are fairly new to the issue tend to make a lot of questionable assumptions and jump to some problematic conclusions, so this week we're joined by someone who has been studying these questions for many years — Annemarie Bridy, a law professor at the University of Idaho and Affiliate Scholar at the Stanford University Center for Internet and Society — to discuss the complicated consequences of various attempts to regulate online platforms.We've been talking about internet platform regula…We've been talking about internet platform regulation for a long time, but in the past year these issues have gotten a huge amount of increased focus — for a bunch of fairly obvious reasons. But a lot of people who are fairly new to the issue tend to make a lot of questionable assumptions and jump to some problematic conclusions, so this week we're joined by someone who has been studying these questions for many years — Annemarie Bridy, a law professor at the University of Idaho and Affiliate Scholar at the Stanford University Center for Internet and Society — to discuss the complicated consequences of various attempts to regulate online platforms.tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/352528205No Easy Answers: Facebook & The ElectionTue, 07 Nov 2017 20:35:31 +0000https://soundcloud.com/techdirt/no-easy-answers-facebook-the-election
00:47:24TechdirtnoI don't think I need to say much to introduce this week's topic — we're all well aware of the conversation about Facebook's role in the presidential election, including questions of filter bubbles, fake news, foreign influence, and so on and so on. As is always the case in situations like this, a lot of people seem to be looking for easy answers, and easy places to point fingers of blame, so in this week's episode we're discussing why it's just not that simple.I don't think I need to say much to introduce thi…I don't think I need to say much to introduce this week's topic — we're all well aware of the conversation about Facebook's role in the presidential election, including questions of filter bubbles, fake news, foreign influence, and so on and so on. As is always the case in situations like this, a lot of people seem to be looking for easy answers, and easy places to point fingers of blame, so in this week's episode we're discussing why it's just not that simple.tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/348412052Who Still Needs A Personal Computer?Tue, 24 Oct 2017 19:43:42 +0000https://soundcloud.com/techdirt/who-still-needs-a-personal-computer
00:36:07TechdirtnoAs smartphones and other mobile devices have gotten smarter and smarter, they've taken over more and more of most people's general computing needs, and the importance of the classic personal computer has waned. And so for some time the question has been: will the PC ever go away entirely? That's our topic this week as we try to figure out who really needs a PC these days, and when and if that will change.As smartphones and other mobile devices have gott…As smartphones and other mobile devices have gotten smarter and smarter, they've taken over more and more of most people's general computing needs, and the importance of the classic personal computer has waned. And so for some time the question has been: will the PC ever go away entirely? That's our topic this week as we try to figure out who really needs a PC these days, and when and if that will change.tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/347360983Donald Trump, Howard Stern... And CopyrightTue, 17 Oct 2017 20:16:57 +0000https://soundcloud.com/techdirt/donald-trump-howard-stern-and-copyright
00:35:02TechdirtnoThis episode was supposed to come two weeks ago when the news was a little fresher, so by now you almost certainly know all about the copyright claims on Donald Trump's appearances on the Howard Stern show. Though delayed by an outage at our cloud recording provider, the episode is still an interesting listen, with frequent Techdirt contributor Cathy Gellis joining the podcast to discuss the deeper question of whether copyright truly even exists on the interviews in the first place. Sorry for the delay, and we hope you enjoy it!This episode was supposed to come two weeks ago w…This episode was supposed to come two weeks ago when the news was a little fresher, so by now you almost certainly know all about the copyright claims on Donald Trump's appearances on the Howard Stern show. Though delayed by an outage at our cloud recording provider, the episode is still an interesting listen, with frequent Techdirt contributor Cathy Gellis joining the podcast to discuss the deeper question of whether copyright truly even exists on the interviews in the first place. Sorry for the delay, and we hope you enjoy it!tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/346298327WTF With Tim O'ReillyTue, 10 Oct 2017 20:08:02 +0000https://soundcloud.com/techdirt/wtf-with-tim-oreilly
00:45:55TechdirtnoThe rapid forward march of technology has long bred two leading camps of onlookers: the techno-optimists and the techno-pessimists. Honest people on both sides, however, must admit that technological innovation has had both positive and negative effects. Internet legend Tim O'Reilly is one of the people who think a lot about these issues, and his new book WTF? What's the Future and Why It's Up to Us — which discusses in detail the world that we are building with technology — was released today, and we're pleased to have him join us on this week's episode to talk about the book and the future of innovation.The rapid forward march of technology has long br…The rapid forward march of technology has long bred two leading camps of onlookers: the techno-optimists and the techno-pessimists. Honest people on both sides, however, must admit that technological innovation has had both positive and negative effects. Internet legend Tim O'Reilly is one of the people who think a lot about these issues, and his new book WTF? What's the Future and Why It's Up to Us — which discusses in detail the world that we are building with technology — was released today, and we're pleased to have him join us on this week's episode to talk about the book and the future of innovation.tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/344137625How Scandalous Are Facebook's Ad Scandals?Tue, 26 Sep 2017 17:41:37 +0000https://soundcloud.com/techdirt/how-scandalous-are-facebooks-ad-scandals
00:51:51TechdirtnoFacebook is under a lot of scrutiny these days over its advertising and content moderation systems, especially since the high-profile revelation of Russia-backed ads during the election. But are things being blown out of proportion? And what, exactly, is to be done? This week we dig in to Facebook's ongoing advertising scandals, and debate what they really mean.Facebook is under a lot of scrutiny these days ov…Facebook is under a lot of scrutiny these days over its advertising and content moderation systems, especially since the high-profile revelation of Russia-backed ads during the election. But are things being blown out of proportion? And what, exactly, is to be done? This week we dig in to Facebook's ongoing advertising scandals, and debate what they really mean.tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/343121347When Godwin's Law Met The Streisand EffectTue, 19 Sep 2017 19:59:16 +0000https://soundcloud.com/techdirt/when-godwins-law-met-the-streisand-effect
00:27:28TechdirtnoLast Friday on Techdirt, we posted video from the World Hosting Days, in which Mike Masnick sat down for a talk with Mike Godwin — a.k.a. the originator of "the Streisand Effect" meeting the creator of "Godwin's Law". As promised, we've got the audio from the event for this week's podcast, so if you haven't watched the video (or you just want to revisit it) tune in for a fun discussion about the history and changing meaning of these now-famous terms.
Watch the video: https://www.techdirt.com/articles/20170915/16541938217/when-godwins-law-met-streisand-effect.shtmlLast Friday on Techdirt, we posted video from the…Last Friday on Techdirt, we posted video from the World Hosting Days, in which Mike Masnick sat down for a talk with Mike Godwin — a.k.a. the originator of "the Streisand Effect" meeting the creator of "Godwin's Law". As promised, we've got the audio from the event for this week's podcast, so if you haven't watched the video (or you just want to revisit it) tune in for a fun discussion about the history and changing meaning of these now-famous terms.
Watch the video: https://www.techdirt.com/articles/20170915/16541938217/when-godwins-law-met-streisand-effect.shtmltag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/342065321Customize Everything!Tue, 12 Sep 2017 18:32:56 +0000https://soundcloud.com/techdirt/customize-everything
00:42:55TechdirtnoWhile the 20th century was defined by mass production, since the digital revolution there has been talk about what might be the main trend of the 21st century: mass customization. Today, we're starting to see customizable mass-produced offerings pop up in a number of spaces such as apparel, and this week we discuss whether mass customization is finally approaching critical mass.While the 20th century was defined by mass produc…While the 20th century was defined by mass production, since the digital revolution there has been talk about what might be the main trend of the 21st century: mass customization. Today, we're starting to see customizable mass-produced offerings pop up in a number of spaces such as apparel, and this week we discuss whether mass customization is finally approaching critical mass.tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/340038992Pokémon Gone?Tue, 29 Aug 2017 20:01:40 +0000https://soundcloud.com/techdirt/pokemon-gone
00:38:19TechdirtnoJust over a year ago, when Pokémon Go was taking the world by storm, we dedicated an episode of the podcast to discussing what made it so successful, and ended up with some differing predictions about what its future would be. Now, with the hype long and truly over but the game still far from dead (though just how far is up for debate), it's time to revisit the subject and figure out who, if anyone, was right about the future of Pokémon Go.
Hear the original episode: https://soundcloud.com/techdirt/is-it-the-pokemon-or-the-go-that-mattersJust over a year ago, when Pokémon Go was taking …Just over a year ago, when Pokémon Go was taking the world by storm, we dedicated an episode of the podcast to discussing what made it so successful, and ended up with some differing predictions about what its future would be. Now, with the hype long and truly over but the game still far from dead (though just how far is up for debate), it's time to revisit the subject and figure out who, if anyone, was right about the future of Pokémon Go.
Hear the original episode: https://soundcloud.com/techdirt/is-it-the-pokemon-or-the-go-that-matterstag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/33904215220 Years Of TechdirtTue, 22 Aug 2017 19:58:40 +0000https://soundcloud.com/techdirt/20-years-of-techdirt
01:09:31TechdirtnoCan you believe it? Tomorrow is our 20th anniversary! Techdirt has come a long way since Mike started it as a newsletter on August 23rd, 1997, and this week's episode of the podcast is a celebration and exploration of that history. Mike and Dennis are joined by Medium's Alex Feerst acting as moderator/interviewer to discuss the past 20 years of Techdirt.Can you believe it? Tomorrow is our 20th annivers…Can you believe it? Tomorrow is our 20th anniversary! Techdirt has come a long way since Mike started it as a newsletter on August 23rd, 1997, and this week's episode of the podcast is a celebration and exploration of that history. Mike and Dennis are joined by Medium's Alex Feerst acting as moderator/interviewer to discuss the past 20 years of Techdirt.tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/338007974The Problems With SESTA And Why Section 230 MattersTue, 15 Aug 2017 18:33:12 +0000https://soundcloud.com/techdirt/the-problems-with-sesta-and-why-section-230-matters
00:45:15TechdirtnoRecently, we've been writing about SESTA, Congress' latest attack on Section 230 of the CDA, and helping to organize a campaign against it. But there's still a lot of misunderstanding and misinformation out there regarding the bill, so this week we're joined by Daphne Keller from Stanford's Center For Internet And Society and Emma Llansó from the Center for Democracy and Technology to dig deeper into the problems with the bill and why protecting Section 230 is vital.Recently, we've been writing about SESTA, Congres…Recently, we've been writing about SESTA, Congress' latest attack on Section 230 of the CDA, and helping to organize a campaign against it. But there's still a lot of misunderstanding and misinformation out there regarding the bill, so this week we're joined by Daphne Keller from Stanford's Center For Internet And Society and Emma Llansó from the Center for Democracy and Technology to dig deeper into the problems with the bill and why protecting Section 230 is vital.tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/337031141These Scammers Picked The Wrong GuyTue, 08 Aug 2017 19:13:21 +0000https://soundcloud.com/techdirt/these-scammers-picked-the-wrong-guy
00:36:46TechdirtnoIf you're a fan of the Reply All podcast, then you're probably still processing the story they told in a recent two-part episode about the insane lengths that host Alex Goldman went to track down a phone scammer. If you haven't heard the story, and you think you've seen all there is to see on the "messing with scammers" front... well, you're in for a surprise. We strongly suggest you listen to the Reply All story first — then listen to our conversation with Alex about the whole saga on this week's episode of the Techdirt Podcast.
Reply All Episode 102, "Long Distance" - https://gimletmedia.com/episode/long-distance/If you're a fan of the Reply All podcast, then yo…If you're a fan of the Reply All podcast, then you're probably still processing the story they told in a recent two-part episode about the insane lengths that host Alex Goldman went to track down a phone scammer. If you haven't heard the story, and you think you've seen all there is to see on the "messing with scammers" front... well, you're in for a surprise. We strongly suggest you listen to the Reply All story first — then listen to our conversation with Alex about the whole saga on this week's episode of the Techdirt Podcast.
Reply All Episode 102, "Long Distance" - https://gimletmedia.com/episode/long-distance/tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/335843536Is There Any Smartphone Innovation Left?Tue, 01 Aug 2017 20:22:24 +0000https://soundcloud.com/techdirt/is-there-any-smartphone-innovation-left
00:44:10TechdirtnoSmartphones have been one of the most world-changing innovations of our time — and for a long time, smartphone design was a hotbed of innovation. But more recently that innovation seems to have stagnated. So where does this technology go next? That's the subject of this weeks episode, in which we try to figure out whether smartphone innovation is still happening.Smartphones have been one of the most world-chang…Smartphones have been one of the most world-changing innovations of our time — and for a long time, smartphone design was a hotbed of innovation. But more recently that innovation seems to have stagnated. So where does this technology go next? That's the subject of this weeks episode, in which we try to figure out whether smartphone innovation is still happening.tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/334810939Is The Economy More Important Than Democracy?Tue, 25 Jul 2017 19:54:59 +0000https://soundcloud.com/techdirt/is-the-economy-more-important-than-democracy
00:50:51TechdirtnoThe economy is important — very important. But is that because it matters in and of itself, or because it's the engine for achieving the things we really do care about? Here at Techdirt we've always been strong advocates of the free market, but we've never been absolutists about things like regulation, and we believe it's very important to explore these issues in detail. This week on the podcast we're joined by James Allworth, co-host of the Exponent podcast and author of a recent post entitled Prioritizing Economics is Crippling the U.S. Economy, to discuss entrepreneurship, democracy, the economy and more.
Read the article: https://medium.com/@jamesallworth/the-slow-decay-of-americas-entrepreneurial-society-f9aeb6145891The economy is important — very important. But is…The economy is important — very important. But is that because it matters in and of itself, or because it's the engine for achieving the things we really do care about? Here at Techdirt we've always been strong advocates of the free market, but we've never been absolutists about things like regulation, and we believe it's very important to explore these issues in detail. This week on the podcast we're joined by James Allworth, co-host of the Exponent podcast and author of a recent post entitled Prioritizing Economics is Crippling the U.S. Economy, to discuss entrepreneurship, democracy, the economy and more.
Read the article: https://medium.com/@jamesallworth/the-slow-decay-of-americas-entrepreneurial-society-f9aeb6145891tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/333766433Is It Bad If Facebook Copies Everything Snapchat Does?Tue, 18 Jul 2017 20:06:50 +0000https://soundcloud.com/techdirt/is-it-bad-if-facebook-copies-everything-snapchat-does
00:52:41TechdirtnoYou may have heard the joke: the best way to do product design for Facebook is to get a job at Snapchat. We've all seen how, after failing to buy the company, Facebook has wasted little time in building its own versions of most of Snapchat's key features. So... is this a problem? That's the subject on this week's episode, were we discuss the ins and outs of this kind of copying and what it might mean for the future of social media.You may have heard the joke: the best way to do p…You may have heard the joke: the best way to do product design for Facebook is to get a job at Snapchat. We've all seen how, after failing to buy the company, Facebook has wasted little time in building its own versions of most of Snapchat's key features. So... is this a problem? That's the subject on this week's episode, were we discuss the ins and outs of this kind of copying and what it might mean for the future of social media.tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/332754227Rob Reid On Writing & Publishing A SciFi Novel In 2017Tue, 11 Jul 2017 19:37:24 +0000https://soundcloud.com/techdirt/rob-reid-on-writing-publishing-a-scifi-novel-in-2017
00:52:31TechdirtnoIf you read our post yesterday, you know that Techdirt friend Rob Reid is releasing his latest novel, After On by publishing the first near-half of the book for free on Medium ( https://medium.com/s/after-on/ ). As promised, today we're joined by Rob on the podcast for a discussion about the book, the launch, and what it's like to publish science fiction in 2017. And don't forget to get your copy of the book at http://amzn.to/2sWUBREIf you read our post yesterday, you know that Tec…If you read our post yesterday, you know that Techdirt friend Rob Reid is releasing his latest novel, After On by publishing the first near-half of the book for free on Medium ( https://medium.com/s/after-on/ ). As promised, today we're joined by Rob on the podcast for a discussion about the book, the launch, and what it's like to publish science fiction in 2017. And don't forget to get your copy of the book at http://amzn.to/2sWUBREtag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/330399767Patent Trolls, With Cloudflare's General CounselTue, 27 Jun 2017 19:15:23 +0000https://soundcloud.com/techdirt/patent-trolls-with-cloudflares-general-counsel
00:39:09TechdirtnoAs we reported last month, CDN provider Cloudflare has decided to hit back against patent troll Blackbird Technologies with an aggressive strategy. Leading this charge is Doug Kramer, Cloudflare's General Counsel, who joins us this week to discuss the current situation with Blackbird and the broader patent landscape.As we reported last month, CDN provider Cloudflar…As we reported last month, CDN provider Cloudflare has decided to hit back against patent troll Blackbird Technologies with an aggressive strategy. Leading this charge is Doug Kramer, Cloudflare's General Counsel, who joins us this week to discuss the current situation with Blackbird and the broader patent landscape.tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/329057704Copyright, Music & 'Theft'Tue, 20 Jun 2017 19:42:57 +0000https://soundcloud.com/techdirt/copyright-music-theft
00:55:58TechdirtnoThis week's episode is all about copyright and culture, with a pair of the best guests you could ask for on the subject. Almost ten years ago, law professors Keith Aoki, James Boyle and Jennifer Jenkins released a comic book about copyright called Bound By Law, and now they are back with a sequel: Theft: A History of Music. This week, James and Jennifer join us to discuss the new comic and the history of copyright and music (with lots of fair use music snippets to demonstrate the legacy of 'theft')!
You should also be sure to check out the comic itself! You can download a digital copy for free of course, but for those who want to get their hands on the beautiful paperback edition, we've got a limited time offer for Techdirt fans: you can get it for only $8.99 at Createspace (that's 40% off!) when you use the discount code 2FESBPRQ within the next two weeks. It's also available on Amazon with a free Kindle edition included when you buy.This week's episode is all about copyright and cu…This week's episode is all about copyright and culture, with a pair of the best guests you could ask for on the subject. Almost ten years ago, law professors Keith Aoki, James Boyle and Jennifer Jenkins released a comic book about copyright called Bound By Law, and now they are back with a sequel: Theft: A History of Music. This week, James and Jennifer join us to discuss the new comic and the history of copyright and music (with lots of fair use music snippets to demonstrate the legacy of 'theft')!
You should also be sure to check out the comic itself! You can download a digital copy for free of course, but for those who want to get their hands on the beautiful paperback edition, we've got a limited time offer for Techdirt fans: you can get it for only $8.99 at Createspace (that's 40% off!) when you use the discount code 2FESBPRQ within the next two weeks. It's also available on Amazon with a free Kindle edition included when you buy.tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/327909544Talking Freedom Of Information With A "FOIA Terrorist"Tue, 13 Jun 2017 19:56:14 +0000https://soundcloud.com/techdirt/talking-freedom-of-information-with-a-foia-terrorist
00:40:44TechdirtnoWe've made FOIA requests several times over the years, with varying results — but there are others out there who have dedicated their careers to understanding and using the FOIA process. One such person is Jason Leopold, a Buzzfeed reporter and FOIA litigator who was dubbed a "FOIA terrorist" by the government. He joins us this week on the podcast to discuss the ins and outs of Freedom Of Information.We've made FOIA requests several times over the y…We've made FOIA requests several times over the years, with varying results — but there are others out there who have dedicated their careers to understanding and using the FOIA process. One such person is Jason Leopold, a Buzzfeed reporter and FOIA litigator who was dubbed a "FOIA terrorist" by the government. He joins us this week on the podcast to discuss the ins and outs of Freedom Of Information.tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/326742815Re-Decentralizing The WebTue, 06 Jun 2017 19:39:49 +0000https://soundcloud.com/techdirt/re-decentralizing-the-web
00:53:36TechdirtnoOne of the fundamental strengths of the internet has always been its decentralization, but over time we've seen a bunch of different forces start to distort this setup. This week, we're joined by Jamie King, director of Steal This Film and host of the Steal This Show podcast to discuss the ongoing efforts to restore the decentralization of the web.One of the fundamental strengths of the internet …One of the fundamental strengths of the internet has always been its decentralization, but over time we've seen a bunch of different forces start to distort this setup. This week, we're joined by Jamie King, director of Steal This Film and host of the Steal This Show podcast to discuss the ongoing efforts to restore the decentralization of the web.tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/325238061The Future Of Internet Copyright, With TechFreedomTue, 30 May 2017 19:32:43 +0000https://soundcloud.com/techdirt/the-future-of-internet-copyright-with-techfreedom
00:32:12TechdirtnoThis week we've got a special crossover episode with our friends at TechFreedom. Mike joined their Tech Policy Podcast recently to discuss notice and takedown systems and the future of internet copyright, and we're cross-posting the conversation as an episode of the Techdirt Podcast too.This week we've got a special crossover episode w…This week we've got a special crossover episode with our friends at TechFreedom. Mike joined their Tech Policy Podcast recently to discuss notice and takedown systems and the future of internet copyright, and we're cross-posting the conversation as an episode of the Techdirt Podcast too.tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/324153636No, The MP3 Isn't DeadTue, 23 May 2017 20:04:39 +0000https://soundcloud.com/techdirt/no-the-mp3-isnt-dead
00:40:42TechdirtnoWhen the "death of the MP3" started being reported, we were among the very few blogs that said umm, no — but the deluge of eulogies for the still-thriving format has been overwhelming and quite surprising. This week I join the podcast to discuss why the MP3 isn't dead, and how so much of the tech press got it so wrong.When the "death of the MP3" started being reporte…When the "death of the MP3" started being reported, we were among the very few blogs that said umm, no — but the deluge of eulogies for the still-thriving format has been overwhelming and quite surprising. This week I join the podcast to discuss why the MP3 isn't dead, and how so much of the tech press got it so wrong.tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/322939002Truth And Fiction With Cory DoctorowTue, 16 May 2017 19:39:05 +0000https://soundcloud.com/techdirt/truth-and-fiction-with-cory-doctorow
00:48:37TechdirtnoMost Techdirt readers are already familiar with Cory Doctorow, whether via his EFF work, the BoingBoing blog, his novels, or all of the above. This week, he joins us on the podcast to discuss his new book Walkaway and much, much more.Most Techdirt readers are already familiar with C…Most Techdirt readers are already familiar with Cory Doctorow, whether via his EFF work, the BoingBoing blog, his novels, or all of the above. This week, he joins us on the podcast to discuss his new book Walkaway and much, much more.tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/321787436The Crypto Wars May Never EndTue, 09 May 2017 19:20:48 +0000https://soundcloud.com/techdirt/the-crypto-wars-may-never-end
00:41:22TechdirtnoThe current instalment of the crypto wars hit full stride with the clash between Apple and the FBI, but in truth the tension over encryption has been around for a long time — and it doesn't look like it's going away anytime soon. As our readers know, Tim Cushing has been following these developments closely, and this week he joins the podcast for a discussion about encryption, law enforcement and "going dark".The current instalment of the crypto wars hit ful…The current instalment of the crypto wars hit full stride with the clash between Apple and the FBI, but in truth the tension over encryption has been around for a long time — and it doesn't look like it's going away anytime soon. As our readers know, Tim Cushing has been following these developments closely, and this week he joins the podcast for a discussion about encryption, law enforcement and "going dark".tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/320550622The Surveillance StateTue, 02 May 2017 19:59:00 +0000https://soundcloud.com/techdirt/the-surveillance-state
01:10:57TechdirtnoIn the post-Snowden era, we don't have to tell you how important it is to stay engaged with (and vigilant about) the surveillance state in America. Jennifer Granick is the Director of Civil Liberties at the Stanford Center for Internet and Society, and author of the new book American Spies — and this week she joins us for an in-depth discussion about the surveillance state today. Of course, shortly after we recorded this podcast, the NSA made major changes to one of its surveillance programs, so Jennifer returned to record an addendum examining this latest news, so make sure you listen to the end!In the post-Snowden era, we don't have to tell yo…In the post-Snowden era, we don't have to tell you how important it is to stay engaged with (and vigilant about) the surveillance state in America. Jennifer Granick is the Director of Civil Liberties at the Stanford Center for Internet and Society, and author of the new book American Spies — and this week she joins us for an in-depth discussion about the surveillance state today. Of course, shortly after we recorded this podcast, the NSA made major changes to one of its surveillance programs, so Jennifer returned to record an addendum examining this latest news, so make sure you listen to the end!tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/319784331Does Pharma Really Need Patents?Thu, 27 Apr 2017 19:54:23 +0000https://soundcloud.com/techdirt/does-pharma-really-need-patents
00:53:28TechdirtnoIt doesn't take many stories of people suffering due to unaffordable medicine to make you question the state of pharmaceutical patents, but the arguments in their defense are loud and frequent. Most are variations on the same theme: without the promise of a monopoly, important drugs would never be researched and developed. But does this argument truly hold up? It's come up as a tangent in previous episodes of the podcast, but this week we're dedicating a full episode to questioning the popular defenses of pharma patents and looking for a better way forward.It doesn't take many stories of people suffering …It doesn't take many stories of people suffering due to unaffordable medicine to make you question the state of pharmaceutical patents, but the arguments in their defense are loud and frequent. Most are variations on the same theme: without the promise of a monopoly, important drugs would never be researched and developed. But does this argument truly hold up? It's come up as a tangent in previous episodes of the podcast, but this week we're dedicating a full episode to questioning the popular defenses of pharma patents and looking for a better way forward.tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/318340432The Evolution Of The OfficeTue, 18 Apr 2017 20:25:30 +0000https://soundcloud.com/techdirt/the-evolution-of-the-office
00:41:46TechdirtnoWe've talked before about how the very nature of work is changing thanks to technology, with telecommuting being an obvious trend — but despite some early predictions about the death of the physical office, the reality is offices have been evolving and changing thanks to technology and innovation too. This week, we discuss co-working spaces and other trends in the evolution of offices.We've talked before about how the very nature of …We've talked before about how the very nature of work is changing thanks to technology, with telecommuting being an obvious trend — but despite some early predictions about the death of the physical office, the reality is offices have been evolving and changing thanks to technology and innovation too. This week, we discuss co-working spaces and other trends in the evolution of offices.tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/317237497Why This ISP Supports Net Neutrality, Privacy Rules And MoreTue, 11 Apr 2017 19:48:04 +0000https://soundcloud.com/techdirt/why-this-isp-supports-net-neutrality-privacy-rules-and-more
00:52:47TechdirtnoSince Congress threw out new privacy rules for ISPs that were supposed to come into effect soon, there's been a renewed uproar on all sides of the debate about internet regulation. While the big ISPs generally want to be able to do as they please, there are smaller service providers out there that fully understand and embrace the need for privacy, net neutrality and more. One such ISP is Sonic, and this week we're joined by CEO Dane Jasper to discuss why these rules are a good thing.Since Congress threw out new privacy rules for IS…Since Congress threw out new privacy rules for ISPs that were supposed to come into effect soon, there's been a renewed uproar on all sides of the debate about internet regulation. While the big ISPs generally want to be able to do as they please, there are smaller service providers out there that fully understand and embrace the need for privacy, net neutrality and more. One such ISP is Sonic, and this week we're joined by CEO Dane Jasper to discuss why these rules are a good thing.tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/316109775The Truth About VPNsTue, 04 Apr 2017 19:44:51 +0000https://soundcloud.com/techdirt/the-truth-about-vpns
00:40:06TechdirtnoFor a long time now, "use a VPN" has been the default online privacy advice — but is it really so effective? Following the recent VPN boom that came on the tails of Congress scrapping new ISP privacy rules, a few security experts have stepped forward to explain how VPNs aren't all they're cracked up to be, and choosing and using one isn't as easy as many articles and social media posts suggest. Among them are this week's guests, Kevin Riggle (who provided a quick and dirty primer with the key suggestion that most people are safer not using a VPN) and Kenn White (who assembled a list of VPNs he deems "terrible" and not without good reason, recommending a roll-your-own solution instead). They join us to dig deeper into the reality of VPNs and hopefully help some people make better choices.For a long time now, "use a VPN" has been the def…For a long time now, "use a VPN" has been the default online privacy advice — but is it really so effective? Following the recent VPN boom that came on the tails of Congress scrapping new ISP privacy rules, a few security experts have stepped forward to explain how VPNs aren't all they're cracked up to be, and choosing and using one isn't as easy as many articles and social media posts suggest. Among them are this week's guests, Kevin Riggle (who provided a quick and dirty primer with the key suggestion that most people are safer not using a VPN) and Kenn White (who assembled a list of VPNs he deems "terrible" and not without good reason, recommending a roll-your-own solution instead). They join us to dig deeper into the reality of VPNs and hopefully help some people make better choices.tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/314925967The End Of OwnershipTue, 28 Mar 2017 19:31:36 +0000https://soundcloud.com/techdirt/the-end-of-ownership
00:46:04TechdirtnoThe basic impetus behind DRM is obvious: a frantic, misguided desire to make digital products behave like physical ones. But the truth is DRM goes far, far beyond that, restricting all sorts of activities that are intrinsic to the idea of "owning" something. Two people who have thought a lot about this are law professors Aaron Perzanowski and Jason Schultz, authors of the new book The End Of Ownership. This week, Aaron and Jason join the podcast to discuss the book and the worrying status of DRM today.The basic impetus behind DRM is obvious: a franti…The basic impetus behind DRM is obvious: a frantic, misguided desire to make digital products behave like physical ones. But the truth is DRM goes far, far beyond that, restricting all sorts of activities that are intrinsic to the idea of "owning" something. Two people who have thought a lot about this are law professors Aaron Perzanowski and Jason Schultz, authors of the new book The End Of Ownership. This week, Aaron and Jason join the podcast to discuss the book and the worrying status of DRM today.tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/313654702Alexa, Play This PodcastTue, 21 Mar 2017 20:05:55 +0000https://soundcloud.com/techdirt/alexa-play-this-podcast
00:49:07TechdirtnoAlways-on, voice-operated assistants are on the rise, and most of the industry seems to have agreed that Amazon's Alexa is at the top of the pack. Podcast host Dennis Yang was and is an early adopter of these devices, so this week he's brought along Alexa, Google Now and Siri as guests for a discussion about the future of this technology.Always-on, voice-operated assistants are on the r…Always-on, voice-operated assistants are on the rise, and most of the industry seems to have agreed that Amazon's Alexa is at the top of the pack. Podcast host Dennis Yang was and is an early adopter of these devices, so this week he's brought along Alexa, Google Now and Siri as guests for a discussion about the future of this technology.tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/312396927Will Regulations Ground Drone Innovation?Tue, 14 Mar 2017 19:39:58 +0000https://soundcloud.com/techdirt/will-regulations-ground-drone-innovation
00:41:15TechdirtnoThe rise of drones in both the personal and commercial spheres has happened with stunning speed, and its created a whole bunch of hard-to-answer regulatory questions. This week we're joined by Notifleet's Siggi Hindrichs to discuss the current state and future of drone regulation by the FAA.The rise of drones in both the personal and comme…The rise of drones in both the personal and commercial spheres has happened with stunning speed, and its created a whole bunch of hard-to-answer regulatory questions. This week we're joined by Notifleet's Siggi Hindrichs to discuss the current state and future of drone regulation by the FAA.tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/311237679When A Typo Breaks The InternetTue, 07 Mar 2017 20:49:31 +0000https://soundcloud.com/techdirt/when-a-typo-breaks-the-internet
00:54:40TechdirtnoFrom its humble origins as an online bookseller that many people worried might not survive, Amazon has grown into a critical piece of the web's backbone via its Amazon Web Services platform. Last week's S3 outage made this painfully clear, and understandably raised lots of concerns — especially after it was revealed that the whole thing was caused by a typo. So this week we're discussing whether something needs to be done, and what that might be.From its humble origins as an online bookseller t…From its humble origins as an online bookseller that many people worried might not survive, Amazon has grown into a critical piece of the web's backbone via its Amazon Web Services platform. Last week's S3 outage made this painfully clear, and understandably raised lots of concerns — especially after it was revealed that the whole thing was caused by a typo. So this week we're discussing whether something needs to be done, and what that might be.tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/310014907The Miracle Of Booking FlightsTue, 28 Feb 2017 23:06:18 +0000https://soundcloud.com/techdirt/the-miracle-of-booking-flights
00:39:50TechdirtnoThe finding and booking of flights is a massive and elaborate global mechanism that contains both fascinating technology and useful secrets. This week, we're joined by Adam Fletcher, co-founder of Gyroscope Software and an architect of Google's airline reservation system, to talk about all the technology behind commercial air travel today.The finding and booking of flights is a massive a…The finding and booking of flights is a massive and elaborate global mechanism that contains both fascinating technology and useful secrets. This week, we're joined by Adam Fletcher, co-founder of Gyroscope Software and an architect of Google's airline reservation system, to talk about all the technology behind commercial air travel today.tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/308888554Luck In Silicon Valley, With Robert FrankTue, 21 Feb 2017 21:08:23 +0000https://soundcloud.com/techdirt/luck-in-silicon-valley-with-robert-frank
00:39:34TechdirtnoInnovation isn't easy, but success in Silicon Valley involves a bigger dose of luck than a lot of entrepreneurs seem prepared to admit. Chance gets left out of the economic equation all too often, and this week we're joined by Mike's own Econ 101 professor from Cornell, Robert Frank, to discuss the role of luck in the world of entrepreneurs and innovation.Innovation isn't easy, but success in Silicon Val…Innovation isn't easy, but success in Silicon Valley involves a bigger dose of luck than a lot of entrepreneurs seem prepared to admit. Chance gets left out of the economic equation all too often, and this week we're joined by Mike's own Econ 101 professor from Cornell, Robert Frank, to discuss the role of luck in the world of entrepreneurs and innovation.tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/307751107The New FCCTue, 14 Feb 2017 20:38:01 +0000https://soundcloud.com/techdirt/the-new-fcc
00:45:37TechdirtnoNet neutrality is at risk. The FCC under Ajit Pai is clearly intent on destroying it, and this is quickly turning into a fight for the future of the internet. This week, we're joined by Gigi Sohn, one of former chairman Tom Wheeler top advisors at the FCC and now a fellow at the Open Society Foundation, to discuss what's happening at the FCC and what needs to be done in response.Net neutrality is at risk. The FCC under Ajit Pai…Net neutrality is at risk. The FCC under Ajit Pai is clearly intent on destroying it, and this is quickly turning into a fight for the future of the internet. This week, we're joined by Gigi Sohn, one of former chairman Tom Wheeler top advisors at the FCC and now a fellow at the Open Society Foundation, to discuss what's happening at the FCC and what needs to be done in response.tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/306596607Autonomous Cars Are AcceleratingTue, 07 Feb 2017 20:39:44 +0000https://soundcloud.com/techdirt/autonomous-cars-are-accelerating
00:41:29TechdirtnoThe adoption of self-driving cars is rapidly changing from science fiction to present reality. We had a preliminary discussion on the subject here on the podcast a couple years ago, but today we're digging more deeply the impact this is having, especially on policy. R Street Institute senior fellow Ian Adams joins us as a special guest this week for a discussion about the many implications of this accelerating technological shift.The adoption of self-driving cars is rapidly chan…The adoption of self-driving cars is rapidly changing from science fiction to present reality. We had a preliminary discussion on the subject here on the podcast a couple years ago, but today we're digging more deeply the impact this is having, especially on policy. R Street Institute senior fellow Ian Adams joins us as a special guest this week for a discussion about the many implications of this accelerating technological shift.tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/305478666Changing Government Starts With YouTue, 31 Jan 2017 21:13:00 +0000https://soundcloud.com/techdirt/changing-government-starts-with-you
00:41:10TechdirtnoFor obvious reasons, politics and government are on just about everyone's mind at the moment, prompting a vast range of reactions and opinions. A lot of people who share a desire for change are divided not only by what form they think that change should take, but by what methods they think should be employed to achieve it. Former Senate staffer and long-time Techdirt friend Jennifer Hoelzer recently wrote a column entitled Your Government Won't Change... Unless You Do and this week she joins us on the podcast to delve further into this idea and what it means for optimists, cynics, pragmatists and everyone else.For obvious reasons, politics and government are …For obvious reasons, politics and government are on just about everyone's mind at the moment, prompting a vast range of reactions and opinions. A lot of people who share a desire for change are divided not only by what form they think that change should take, but by what methods they think should be employed to achieve it. Former Senate staffer and long-time Techdirt friend Jennifer Hoelzer recently wrote a column entitled Your Government Won't Change... Unless You Do and this week she joins us on the podcast to delve further into this idea and what it means for optimists, cynics, pragmatists and everyone else.tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/304333875An Office In A BagTue, 24 Jan 2017 20:10:28 +0000https://soundcloud.com/techdirt/an-office-in-a-bag
00:53:33TechdirtnoAfter years of working on the go, Mike has the mobile office down to a science — and wherever he sets it up, nearby gadget geeks have plenty of questions and comments. So this week we're joined by Espree Devora, host of the podcasts Women In Tech and We Are L.A. Tech, for a fun discussion about today's high-tech offices-in-bags.After years of working on the go, Mike has the mo…After years of working on the go, Mike has the mobile office down to a science — and wherever he sets it up, nearby gadget geeks have plenty of questions and comments. So this week we're joined by Espree Devora, host of the podcasts Women In Tech and We Are L.A. Tech, for a fun discussion about today's high-tech offices-in-bags.tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/303194404The CES 2017 Post-MortemTue, 17 Jan 2017 20:39:37 +0000https://soundcloud.com/techdirt/the-ces-2017-post-mortem
00:50:40TechdirtnoLast year, we got a lot of positive feedback on our episode taking a look at the Consumer Electronics Show with the help of journalist Rob Pegoraro. So this year, we've brought Rob back for another look at the highs and lows of CES.Last year, we got a lot of positive feedback on o…Last year, we got a lot of positive feedback on our episode taking a look at the Consumer Electronics Show with the help of journalist Rob Pegoraro. So this year, we've brought Rob back for another look at the highs and lows of CES.tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/301923082The Pros And Cons Of Pros And ConsTue, 10 Jan 2017 20:57:55 +0000https://soundcloud.com/techdirt/the-pros-and-cons-of-pros-and-cons
00:45:38TechdirtnoOn the surface, the idea of "pro and con" debates seems like a good way to ensure an issue is fully explored. But is it truly a productive approach? This week, we debate the nature of debates and possible alternatives to the adversarial approach.On the surface, the idea of "pro and con" debates…On the surface, the idea of "pro and con" debates seems like a good way to ensure an issue is fully explored. But is it truly a productive approach? This week, we debate the nature of debates and possible alternatives to the adversarial approach.tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/298856416Is The Internet Of Things The Future, A Total Mess, Or Both?Tue, 20 Dec 2016 20:32:43 +0000https://soundcloud.com/techdirt/is-the-internet-of-things-the-future-a-total-mess-or-both
00:50:37TechdirtnoThe internet of things has been taking plenty of flack ever since the first time someone floated the idea of a connected fridge or some-such in the 90s — but despite the knee-jerk instinct to scoff at some things, the truth is there are all sorts of interesting possibilities emerging from all these "pointless" connected devices. Of course, there are also some serious security concerns... This week, we discuss IoT and what the ever-increasing presence of such devices means for the future.The internet of things has been taking plenty of …The internet of things has been taking plenty of flack ever since the first time someone floated the idea of a connected fridge or some-such in the 90s — but despite the knee-jerk instinct to scoff at some things, the truth is there are all sorts of interesting possibilities emerging from all these "pointless" connected devices. Of course, there are also some serious security concerns... This week, we discuss IoT and what the ever-increasing presence of such devices means for the future.tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/297746401Can We Really Colonize Mars?Tue, 13 Dec 2016 18:36:45 +0000https://soundcloud.com/techdirt/can-we-really-colonize-mars
00:45:39TechdirtnoElon Musk got plenty of attention recently for announcing his plans to colonize Mars. But that's not exactly a new idea — so we wondered if it was really a different, exciting and realistic plan, or just a reiteration of the standard far-flung dream. To answer that question, we brought in three experts: Amy Shira Teitel (a space and flight historian and creator of YouTube's Vintage Space videos), JPL's Fred Calef (a Mars geologist and "keeper of the maps" for Mars rovers), and the New Space Intiative's Tanya Harrison (who worked on Curiosity and several other Mars missions). The result was a fascinating discussion about Mars and whether or not we're actually headed there any time soon.Elon Musk got plenty of attention recently for an…Elon Musk got plenty of attention recently for announcing his plans to colonize Mars. But that's not exactly a new idea — so we wondered if it was really a different, exciting and realistic plan, or just a reiteration of the standard far-flung dream. To answer that question, we brought in three experts: Amy Shira Teitel (a space and flight historian and creator of YouTube's Vintage Space videos), JPL's Fred Calef (a Mars geologist and "keeper of the maps" for Mars rovers), and the New Space Intiative's Tanya Harrison (who worked on Curiosity and several other Mars missions). The result was a fascinating discussion about Mars and whether or not we're actually headed there any time soon.tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/296562232Where Do You Get Your News?Tue, 06 Dec 2016 20:53:46 +0000https://soundcloud.com/techdirt/where-do-you-get-your-news
00:47:53TechdirtnoThe news industry has been in an ongoing state of upheaval ever since the dawn of the internet. In addition to the many ways that technology changes reporting and publishing, there has also been a profound effect on how people find their news. This week, we step away from the big debate about echo chambers and filter bubbles, and talk about evolving news-finding habits and what they mean for the industry.The news industry has been in an ongoing state of…The news industry has been in an ongoing state of upheaval ever since the dawn of the internet. In addition to the many ways that technology changes reporting and publishing, there has also been a profound effect on how people find their news. This week, we step away from the big debate about echo chambers and filter bubbles, and talk about evolving news-finding habits and what they mean for the industry.tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/295566457Supporting Creators, With Patreon Founder Jack ConteWed, 30 Nov 2016 17:16:48 +0000https://soundcloud.com/techdirt/supporting-creators-with-patreon-founder-jack-conte
00:39:00TechdirtnoIt's our 100th episode! And to celebrate, we're not only talking with Patreon founder Jack Conte, we're announcing that the Techdirt Podcast is now on Patreon too!It's our 100th episode! And to celebrate, we're n…It's our 100th episode! And to celebrate, we're not only talking with Patreon founder Jack Conte, we're announcing that the Techdirt Podcast is now on Patreon too!tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/293192301Debating The Facebook Filter Bubble, With Mathew IngramTue, 15 Nov 2016 20:22:05 +0000https://soundcloud.com/techdirt/debating-the-facebook-filter-bubble-with-mathew-ingram
00:47:29TechdirtnoThough the notion of the Facebook "filter bubble" has been around for a while, it's picked up a huge amount of steam following the election of Donald Trump — perhaps just a little too much steam. While Techdirt has long been of the opinion that pointing fingers at Facebook is misguided, there are plenty of people who disagree. This week, we're joined by one such person — long-time media commentator and senior editor at Fortune Mathew Ingram — for a lively debate about just how much of a problem the filter bubble really is, and how you'd go about solving it.Though the notion of the Facebook "filter bubble"…Though the notion of the Facebook "filter bubble" has been around for a while, it's picked up a huge amount of steam following the election of Donald Trump — perhaps just a little too much steam. While Techdirt has long been of the opinion that pointing fingers at Facebook is misguided, there are plenty of people who disagree. This week, we're joined by one such person — long-time media commentator and senior editor at Fortune Mathew Ingram — for a lively debate about just how much of a problem the filter bubble really is, and how you'd go about solving it.tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/292111721Is There A Better Way To Pick A President?Tue, 08 Nov 2016 18:07:15 +0000https://soundcloud.com/techdirt/is-there-a-better-way-to-pick-a-president
00:36:32TechdirtnoWell, today's the day. By tomorrow there will be a new President of the United States, and a large segment of the population claiming that they were robbed by the system. But immediate anger aside, that system is hardly above criticism: the Electoral College has had all sorts of unanticipated and often undesirable effects on democracy, and a wide variety of alternatives have been proposed. This week we discuss the question: is there a better way to pick the president?Well, today's the day. By tomorrow there will be …Well, today's the day. By tomorrow there will be a new President of the United States, and a large segment of the population claiming that they were robbed by the system. But immediate anger aside, that system is hardly above criticism: the Electoral College has had all sorts of unanticipated and often undesirable effects on democracy, and a wide variety of alternatives have been proposed. This week we discuss the question: is there a better way to pick the president?tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/291006315Can Tech Be Trusted Without Antitrust?Tue, 01 Nov 2016 19:21:22 +0000https://soundcloud.com/techdirt/can-tech-be-trusted-without-antitrust
00:42:40TechdirtnoMonopolies are one of the areas that even the most staunchly anti-regulation folks often agree there is a role for government intervention. In the world of tech, multiple big antitrust fights have broken out and continue to rage in both America and the EU — but how effective is this kind of regulation and how often should it really happen? This week, we discuss whether or not there is a role for antitrust in the world of technological innovation.Monopolies are one of the areas that even the mos…Monopolies are one of the areas that even the most staunchly anti-regulation folks often agree there is a role for government intervention. In the world of tech, multiple big antitrust fights have broken out and continue to rage in both America and the EU — but how effective is this kind of regulation and how often should it really happen? This week, we discuss whether or not there is a role for antitrust in the world of technological innovation.tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/289938859Death Knell For Software PatentsTue, 25 Oct 2016 18:58:14 +0000https://soundcloud.com/techdirt/death-knell-for-software-patents
00:53:57TechdirtnoSoftware patents have been dubious since their inception — not just in principle, but legally too. Past rulings have called their validity into serious question, and now an opinion from a prominent pro-patent judge has called for people to admit that they simply shouldn't exist. This week, we discuss what this opinion means for the (hopefully short) future of software patents.Software patents have been dubious since their in…Software patents have been dubious since their inception — not just in principle, but legally too. Past rulings have called their validity into serious question, and now an opinion from a prominent pro-patent judge has called for people to admit that they simply shouldn't exist. This week, we discuss what this opinion means for the (hopefully short) future of software patents.tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/288866899A Presidential Tech Policy Wish ListTue, 18 Oct 2016 19:18:14 +0000https://soundcloud.com/techdirt/a-presidential-tech-policy-wish-list
00:53:41TechdirtnoWe wanted to do an episode all about examining the tech policy platforms of the 2016 presidential candidates, but that proved impossible since one candidate's is vague and noncommittal while the other's doesn't exist at all. Since a nuanced discussion about robust tech policy platforms was probably a bit much to hope for from this election anyway, for this week's episode we're discussing what a great presidential tech platform should look like under less absurd circumstances.We wanted to do an episode all about examining th…We wanted to do an episode all about examining the tech policy platforms of the 2016 presidential candidates, but that proved impossible since one candidate's is vague and noncommittal while the other's doesn't exist at all. Since a nuanced discussion about robust tech policy platforms was probably a bit much to hope for from this election anyway, for this week's episode we're discussing what a great presidential tech platform should look like under less absurd circumstances.tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/287184049The Headphone Jack Apocalypse!Tue, 11 Oct 2016 17:50:49 +0000https://soundcloud.com/techdirt/the-headphone-jack-apocalypse
00:46:28TechdirtnoYup, we're doing it — we're tackling the much-derided controversy over Apple's decision to remove the analog headphone jack from the iPhone! I join this week's episode myself as a guest host, and in truth none of us really think it's any kind of "apocalypse" — but none of us are huge fans of the move either. We discuss the questionable technical advantages, the looming spectre of DRM, and more.Yup, we're doing it — we're tackling the much-der…Yup, we're doing it — we're tackling the much-derided controversy over Apple's decision to remove the analog headphone jack from the iPhone! I join this week's episode myself as a guest host, and in truth none of us really think it's any kind of "apocalypse" — but none of us are huge fans of the move either. We discuss the questionable technical advantages, the looming spectre of DRM, and more.tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/286040049Pardon SnowdenTue, 04 Oct 2016 18:47:02 +0000https://soundcloud.com/techdirt/pardon-snowden
00:38:51TechdirtnoEdward Snowden deserves a pardon. We all know it — even if you believe he deserves to stand trial, the only option right now is an unfair trial on Espionage Act charges in which he'd be blocked from presenting a meaningful defense. A pardon from those charges is the only just choice. This week, we're joined by Trevor Timm, co-founder of the Freedom Of The Press Foundation, and returning guest Parker Higgins to discuss why Edward Snowden deserves a pardon, and the campaign to get him one deserves your support.Edward Snowden deserves a pardon. We all know it …Edward Snowden deserves a pardon. We all know it — even if you believe he deserves to stand trial, the only option right now is an unfair trial on Espionage Act charges in which he'd be blocked from presenting a meaningful defense. A pardon from those charges is the only just choice. This week, we're joined by Trevor Timm, co-founder of the Freedom Of The Press Foundation, and returning guest Parker Higgins to discuss why Edward Snowden deserves a pardon, and the campaign to get him one deserves your support.tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/284980701Passwords Suck; What's Next?Tue, 27 Sep 2016 18:38:12 +0000https://soundcloud.com/techdirt/passwords-suck-whats-next
00:44:39TechdirtnoData breaches that expose passwords are pretty much a fact of life at this point — and the effects are multiplied by the fact that many, many people reuse passwords no matter how much they know they shouldn't. As such, there's a big push to move to password managers, two-factor authentication, and even biometrics — because the simple fact is the password sucks. This week, we're discussing what if anything will succeed in replacing it.Data breaches that expose passwords are pretty mu…Data breaches that expose passwords are pretty much a fact of life at this point — and the effects are multiplied by the fact that many, many people reuse passwords no matter how much they know they shouldn't. As such, there's a big push to move to password managers, two-factor authentication, and even biometrics — because the simple fact is the password sucks. This week, we're discussing what if anything will succeed in replacing it.tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/283820189Is Facebook Moderation A Necessary Evil?Tue, 20 Sep 2016 18:55:36 +0000https://soundcloud.com/techdirt/is-facebook-moderation-a-necessary-evil
00:42:06TechdirtnoFacebook's efforts to moderate content that appears on the social network have run into numerous problems, most recently with a famous war photo and a bunch of blog posts. Some have made absurd demands in response, such as giving old-school media editors special posting privileges, while others have objected to the idea of Facebook censoring any content whatsoever. But is that objection realistic? This week, we discuss the complicated question of Facebook moderation, and what the company's role can and should be.Facebook's efforts to moderate content that appea…Facebook's efforts to moderate content that appears on the social network have run into numerous problems, most recently with a famous war photo and a bunch of blog posts. Some have made absurd demands in response, such as giving old-school media editors special posting privileges, while others have objected to the idea of Facebook censoring any content whatsoever. But is that objection realistic? This week, we discuss the complicated question of Facebook moderation, and what the company's role can and should be.tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/282758600Is Capitalism Over?Tue, 13 Sep 2016 19:18:36 +0000https://soundcloud.com/techdirt/is-capitalism-over
00:42:06TechdirtnoAs technology ushers more and more things towards the realm of "post-scarcity", an inevitable conversation has arisen around the very roots of capitalism and what this rapid change means for our economic systems at the most fundamental levels. But the answer is far from simple — is capitalism dying? Can it evolve? Is the whole question being framed incorrectly? This week, we discuss the notion of a post-capitalist world, what it might look like, and how close it actually is.As technology ushers more and more things towards…As technology ushers more and more things towards the realm of "post-scarcity", an inevitable conversation has arisen around the very roots of capitalism and what this rapid change means for our economic systems at the most fundamental levels. But the answer is far from simple — is capitalism dying? Can it evolve? Is the whole question being framed incorrectly? This week, we discuss the notion of a post-capitalist world, what it might look like, and how close it actually is.tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/281693058Inside A Really Good Kickstarter CampaignTue, 06 Sep 2016 19:27:57 +0000https://soundcloud.com/techdirt/inside-a-really-good-kickstarter-campaign
00:41:59TechdirtnoNot all Kickstarter campaigns are created equal. Even the mostly-good ones that eventually satisfy their backers are often plagued with delays and poor communication. But once in a while, there's a campaign that runs smoothly, communicates openly, and delivers a great product on time as promised — and Minaal is one company that pulled off such a campaign to launch its line of travel bags. This week, we're joined by co-founder Jimmy Hayes to discuss how they pulled it off and what their experience can teach us about other campaigns and the broader crowdfunding ecosystem.Not all Kickstarter campaigns are created equal. …Not all Kickstarter campaigns are created equal. Even the mostly-good ones that eventually satisfy their backers are often plagued with delays and poor communication. But once in a while, there's a campaign that runs smoothly, communicates openly, and delivers a great product on time as promised — and Minaal is one company that pulled off such a campaign to launch its line of travel bags. This week, we're joined by co-founder Jimmy Hayes to discuss how they pulled it off and what their experience can teach us about other campaigns and the broader crowdfunding ecosystem.tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/280625706The Gawker DebateTue, 30 Aug 2016 19:08:16 +0000https://soundcloud.com/techdirt/the-gawker-debate
00:50:34TechdirtnoGawker's gone, and that's that. And yet, whenever we've expressed concerns over the billionaire vendetta that brought it down, we've faced a huge amount of pushback from people who had problems with the site and its reporting practices. This week, we're joined by Parker Thompson aka Startup L. Jackson for a friendly debate about whether the Gawker shutdown really is a big deal.Gawker's gone, and that's that. And yet, whenever…Gawker's gone, and that's that. And yet, whenever we've expressed concerns over the billionaire vendetta that brought it down, we've faced a huge amount of pushback from people who had problems with the site and its reporting practices. This week, we're joined by Parker Thompson aka Startup L. Jackson for a friendly debate about whether the Gawker shutdown really is a big deal.tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/279566873An Interview With Kim Dotcom's LawyerTue, 23 Aug 2016 18:59:09 +0000https://soundcloud.com/techdirt/an-interview-with-kim-dotcoms-lawyer
01:03:42TechdirtnoIra Rothken is on the front lines of many major legal battles relating to copyright and piracy, including defending Megaupload founder Kim Dotcom and, most recently, taking up the defense of Kickass Torrents operator Artem Vaulin. This week, Ira joins us on the podcast to discuss the ins and outs of these and other cases where the entertainment industry has come down hard on consumers and innovators.Ira Rothken is on the front lines of many major l…Ira Rothken is on the front lines of many major legal battles relating to copyright and piracy, including defending Megaupload founder Kim Dotcom and, most recently, taking up the defense of Kickass Torrents operator Artem Vaulin. This week, Ira joins us on the podcast to discuss the ins and outs of these and other cases where the entertainment industry has come down hard on consumers and innovators.tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/278542458Have Platforms Killed The Open Internet By Replacing Protocols?Tue, 16 Aug 2016 19:21:05 +0000https://soundcloud.com/techdirt/have-platforms-killed-the-open-internet-by-replacing-protocols
00:46:19TechdirtnoThe internet is built on a solid foundation of open protocols: TCP/IP, HTTP and SMTP especially, plus more modern entrants like RSS and BitTorrent. But even those aren't so new anymore, and it seems like the era of the open protocol might be coming to an end, supplanted by the drive to create proprietary closed platforms. This week, we discuss whether the open protocol is dead, and what that means for the future of the open internet.The internet is built on a solid foundation of op…The internet is built on a solid foundation of open protocols: TCP/IP, HTTP and SMTP especially, plus more modern entrants like RSS and BitTorrent. But even those aren't so new anymore, and it seems like the era of the open protocol might be coming to an end, supplanted by the drive to create proprietary closed platforms. This week, we discuss whether the open protocol is dead, and what that means for the future of the open internet.tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/277542994Is Your Algorithm Racist?Tue, 09 Aug 2016 18:57:19 +0000https://soundcloud.com/techdirt/is-your-algorithm-racist
00:48:21Techdirtno
Algorithms have become a powerful force in the world, but for all the impressive good they do, they sometimes show some worrying tendencies. Algorithms that discriminate are a problem that nobody's found a solution for yet. This week, we discuss why some algorithms appear to be racist, and whether there's anything that can be done about it.
Algorithms have become a powerful force in the w…
Algorithms have become a powerful force in the world, but for all the impressive good they do, they sometimes show some worrying tendencies. Algorithms that discriminate are a problem that nobody's found a solution for yet. This week, we discuss why some algorithms appear to be racist, and whether there's anything that can be done about it.tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/276529936Is It The 'Pokémon' Or The 'Go' That Matters?Tue, 02 Aug 2016 19:38:54 +0000https://soundcloud.com/techdirt/is-it-the-pokemon-or-the-go-that-matters
00:36:57TechdirtnoPokémon Go is an undeniable phenomenon, and the first mass-appeal hit from the world of augmented reality — a technology people have been expecting would transform gaming for years. That leaves a big question, though: is its popularity a sign of the future for AR, or is the game an isolated phenomenon that owes more to the popularity of its brand? This week, we discuss what we can learn from Pokémon Go, and whether we can truly learn anything at all.Pokémon Go is an undeniable phenomenon, and the f…Pokémon Go is an undeniable phenomenon, and the first mass-appeal hit from the world of augmented reality — a technology people have been expecting would transform gaming for years. That leaves a big question, though: is its popularity a sign of the future for AR, or is the game an isolated phenomenon that owes more to the popularity of its brand? This week, we discuss what we can learn from Pokémon Go, and whether we can truly learn anything at all.tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/275479880'Disruption' Is Not An Excuse For LyingTue, 26 Jul 2016 18:33:57 +0000https://soundcloud.com/techdirt/disruption-is-not-an-excuse-for-lying
00:34:04TechdirtnoSilicon Valley has produced lots of disruptive technologies — ways to solve problems by upending entrenched industries and, often enough, routing around protectionist regulations. But not all regulations are meaningless, not all industries are easy to disrupt, and sometimes "fake it until you make it" becomes plain old lying. This week, we discuss what happens when "disruption" goes wrong.Silicon Valley has produced lots of disruptive te…Silicon Valley has produced lots of disruptive technologies — ways to solve problems by upending entrenched industries and, often enough, routing around protectionist regulations. But not all regulations are meaningless, not all industries are easy to disrupt, and sometimes "fake it until you make it" becomes plain old lying. This week, we discuss what happens when "disruption" goes wrong.tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/274422051Chatbots: Fad Or The Future?Tue, 19 Jul 2016 18:48:14 +0000https://soundcloud.com/techdirt/chatbots-fad-or-the-future
00:36:15TechdirtnoChatbots have been around for a very long time in some form or another, but now they appear to be making a comeback — or at least attempting one. This week, Mike and regular co-host Dennis (who is working on a chatbot startup) are joined by special guest Veronica Belmont to discuss the potential of chatbots and just how much skepticism is warranted.Chatbots have been around for a very long time in…Chatbots have been around for a very long time in some form or another, but now they appear to be making a comeback — or at least attempting one. This week, Mike and regular co-host Dennis (who is working on a chatbot startup) are joined by special guest Veronica Belmont to discuss the potential of chatbots and just how much skepticism is warranted.tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/273351773Senator Wyden On The Expansion Of FBI SurveillanceTue, 12 Jul 2016 18:18:28 +0000https://soundcloud.com/techdirt/senator-wyden-on-the-expansion-of-fbi-surveillance
00:24:13TechdirtnoIt should surprise nobody that the FBI is seeking even broader digital surveillance powers by changing the warrant requirements and expanding the power of national security letters. If you're a regular Techdirt reader, it also won't surprise you to learn that Senator Ron Wyden is working hard to hold the line against this kind of expansion. This week, we're joined by Senator Wyden to discuss what the FBI is up to and what the public needs to know about it.It should surprise nobody that the FBI is seeking…It should surprise nobody that the FBI is seeking even broader digital surveillance powers by changing the warrant requirements and expanding the power of national security letters. If you're a regular Techdirt reader, it also won't surprise you to learn that Senator Ron Wyden is working hard to hold the line against this kind of expansion. This week, we're joined by Senator Wyden to discuss what the FBI is up to and what the public needs to know about it.tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/272310227Can Direct Democracy Work?Tue, 05 Jul 2016 17:42:55 +0000https://soundcloud.com/techdirt/can-direct-democracy-work
00:55:41TechdirtnoTechnology has made "direct democracy" — letting citizens vote on specific, granular issues instead of just electing representatives — more viable than ever, but does that mean it's a good idea? This week, we discuss the ins and outs of direct democracy, including a special addendum on the surprising results of the Brexit referendum.Technology has made "direct democracy" — letting …Technology has made "direct democracy" — letting citizens vote on specific, granular issues instead of just electing representatives — more viable than ever, but does that mean it's a good idea? This week, we discuss the ins and outs of direct democracy, including a special addendum on the surprising results of the Brexit referendum.tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/271274589What's Next For Net Neutrality?Tue, 28 Jun 2016 18:59:20 +0000https://soundcloud.com/techdirt/whats-next-for-net-neutrality
00:38:27TechdirtnoNet neutrality has a long and complicated history, and despite some recent victories, that story is far from over. This week, Mike is joined by resident broadband expert Karl Bode to discuss what's next for net neutrality, and what we need to do to fight for it.Net neutrality has a long and complicated history…Net neutrality has a long and complicated history, and despite some recent victories, that story is far from over. This week, Mike is joined by resident broadband expert Karl Bode to discuss what's next for net neutrality, and what we need to do to fight for it.tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/270214972What's Next For Online Video?Tue, 21 Jun 2016 19:02:27 +0000https://soundcloud.com/techdirt/whats-next-for-online-video
00:38:06TechdirtnoNetflix, HBO Go, Amazon Prime, YouTube, Twitch — online video is still booming. But it also still struggles under the weight of exclusive deals and content silos, and it feels like there's still plenty of innovation to be done. But where will that innovation come from? This week, we discuss the future of online video.Netflix, HBO Go, Amazon Prime, YouTube, Twitch — …Netflix, HBO Go, Amazon Prime, YouTube, Twitch — online video is still booming. But it also still struggles under the weight of exclusive deals and content silos, and it feels like there's still plenty of innovation to be done. But where will that innovation come from? This week, we discuss the future of online video.tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/269087654The Link Between Credit And SurveillanceTue, 14 Jun 2016 19:28:14 +0000https://soundcloud.com/techdirt/the-link-between-credit-and-surveillance
00:46:19TechdirtnoBoth surveillance and the digitization of money are heavily-discussed topics, but the intersection between the two often goes overlooked. Historically, credit agencies have been trailblazers in the world of surveillance, and today we face the fact that the government can use payment providers and other financial tools as a means of enforcing its wishes. On this week's episode, we're joined by lawyer and writer Sarah Jeong, who recently wrote a four-part series on the subject, to discuss the past and future of credit, money, surveillance and the way they work together.Both surveillance and the digitization of money a…Both surveillance and the digitization of money are heavily-discussed topics, but the intersection between the two often goes overlooked. Historically, credit agencies have been trailblazers in the world of surveillance, and today we face the fact that the government can use payment providers and other financial tools as a means of enforcing its wishes. On this week's episode, we're joined by lawyer and writer Sarah Jeong, who recently wrote a four-part series on the subject, to discuss the past and future of credit, money, surveillance and the way they work together.tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/267998991Tech Policy Goes LocalTue, 07 Jun 2016 17:15:46 +0000https://soundcloud.com/techdirt/tech-policy-goes-local
00:40:18TechdirtnoThe conversation around tech policy has traditionally happened at the federal level, but more recently we've seen a change in that trend, and some of the most interesting experiments — both good and bad — have started happening in state and municipal arenas. This week, we're joined by Tech:NYC Executive Director Julie Samuels to discuss why this is happening and what it means.The conversation around tech policy has tradition…The conversation around tech policy has traditionally happened at the federal level, but more recently we've seen a change in that trend, and some of the most interesting experiments — both good and bad — have started happening in state and municipal arenas. This week, we're joined by Tech:NYC Executive Director Julie Samuels to discuss why this is happening and what it means.tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/266804621What Happened At The Oracle Google Trial?Tue, 31 May 2016 17:58:36 +0000https://soundcloud.com/techdirt/what-happened-at-the-oracle-google-trial
00:48:42TechdirtnoOver the past few weeks, a jury heard the second round of the copyright fight between Oracle and Google over whether Google's use of the Java APIs in Android constituted copyright infringement, or whether it was fair use. In the end, the jury went with fair use. Reporter Sarah Jeong watched the entire trial from the courtroom and joins us on the Techdirt podcast this week to discuss both the legal details and the various oddities of this particular trial.Over the past few weeks, a jury heard the second …Over the past few weeks, a jury heard the second round of the copyright fight between Oracle and Google over whether Google's use of the Java APIs in Android constituted copyright infringement, or whether it was fair use. In the end, the jury went with fair use. Reporter Sarah Jeong watched the entire trial from the courtroom and joins us on the Techdirt podcast this week to discuss both the legal details and the various oddities of this particular trial.tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/264599157Why Is Tesla So Successful?Tue, 17 May 2016 18:51:05 +0000https://soundcloud.com/techdirt/why-is-tesla-so-successful
00:44:43TechdirtnoConsumers looking for an electric car have several options to consider, but the buzz and excitement around Tesla continues to dwarf everything else. It's hardly unfounded, but the scale of the company's success is staggering, and there's no single reason for it. This week, we discuss that simple question: just why is Tesla so successful?Consumers looking for an electric car have severa…Consumers looking for an electric car have several options to consider, but the buzz and excitement around Tesla continues to dwarf everything else. It's hardly unfounded, but the scale of the company's success is staggering, and there's no single reason for it. This week, we discuss that simple question: just why is Tesla so successful?tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/263433137Is There Enough Demand For The On Demand Economy?Tue, 10 May 2016 17:15:32 +0000https://soundcloud.com/techdirt/is-there-enough-demand-for-the-on-demand-economy
00:34:24TechdirtnoThe "gig economy" of on-demand peer-to-peer services like Uber has been gaining traction, but not every company is faring so well. In some areas, the rush of entrants has outstripped demand and left on-demand providers struggling to stay afloat. This week we discuss what happens when there's not enough demand for an on-demand platform, and what it might mean for the sector as a whole.The "gig economy" of on-demand peer-to-peer servi…The "gig economy" of on-demand peer-to-peer services like Uber has been gaining traction, but not every company is faring so well. In some areas, the rush of entrants has outstripped demand and left on-demand providers struggling to stay afloat. This week we discuss what happens when there's not enough demand for an on-demand platform, and what it might mean for the sector as a whole.tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/262340001The Tough Choices Platforms MakeTue, 03 May 2016 19:37:55 +0000https://soundcloud.com/techdirt/the-tough-choices-platforms-make
01:19:30TechdirtnoBack in March, Mike moderated a panel at RightsCon on the subject of intermediary liability and the delicate balancing act that platform providers have to play on that front, with lawyers from Meetup, Change.org, and Medium. This week, in lieu of a regular podcast episode we've got a recording of that discussion, which delves deeply into some of the difficult choices companies like this have to make.Back in March, Mike moderated a panel at RightsCo…Back in March, Mike moderated a panel at RightsCon on the subject of intermediary liability and the delicate balancing act that platform providers have to play on that front, with lawyers from Meetup, Change.org, and Medium. This week, in lieu of a regular podcast episode we've got a recording of that discussion, which delves deeply into some of the difficult choices companies like this have to make.tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/261008511Should Internet Companies Sway Elections?Tue, 26 Apr 2016 17:17:14 +0000https://soundcloud.com/techdirt/should-internet-companies-sway-elections
00:42:14TechdirtnoRecently, some Facebook staffers raised an interesting question: should the social media giant employ its significant power to stem the rise of Donald Trump? This week, we discuss that notion and the broader question: should the internet companies that influence so many aspects of our communication and information gathering pursue political goals?Recently, some Facebook staffers raised an intere…Recently, some Facebook staffers raised an interesting question: should the social media giant employ its significant power to stem the rise of Donald Trump? This week, we discuss that notion and the broader question: should the internet companies that influence so many aspects of our communication and information gathering pursue political goals?tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/259877905Is It Futile To Draw Borders On The Internet?Tue, 19 Apr 2016 18:00:33 +0000https://soundcloud.com/techdirt/is-it-futile-to-draw-borders-on-the-internet
00:34:22TechdirtnoIn a world defined by borders for thousands of years, the global nature of the internet has caused all sorts of confusion and absurdity. Geographically restricted content, fuzzily defined jurisdictions, libel tourism — these are all symptoms of a border-filled world coming to terms with a borderless network. Since attempts to carve up the internet along geographical lines aren't likely to stop anytime soon, this week we ask the question: are such attempts futile, and could online borders really serve any purpose to begin with?In a world defined by borders for thousands of ye…In a world defined by borders for thousands of years, the global nature of the internet has caused all sorts of confusion and absurdity. Geographically restricted content, fuzzily defined jurisdictions, libel tourism — these are all symptoms of a border-filled world coming to terms with a borderless network. Since attempts to carve up the internet along geographical lines aren't likely to stop anytime soon, this week we ask the question: are such attempts futile, and could online borders really serve any purpose to begin with?tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/258664384Free Culture And Aaron Swartz (Part Two)Tue, 12 Apr 2016 18:51:10 +0000https://soundcloud.com/techdirt/free-culture-and-aaron-swartz-part-two
00:37:59TechdirtnoLast week we were joined by Justin Peters, author of the new book The Idealist all about Aaron Swartz, free culture and digital activism. The first half of the discussion focused on that broader context, and this week we continue with a closer look at Aaron himself.Last week we were joined by Justin Peters, author…Last week we were joined by Justin Peters, author of the new book The Idealist all about Aaron Swartz, free culture and digital activism. The first half of the discussion focused on that broader context, and this week we continue with a closer look at Aaron himself.tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/257482964Free Culture And Aaron Swartz (Part One)Tue, 05 Apr 2016 19:24:57 +0000https://soundcloud.com/techdirt/free-culture-and-aaron-swartz-part-one
00:37:59TechdirtnoAnyone even remotely interested in free culture, the internet and copyright surely knows the name Aaron Swartz — but only some truly understand what made him tick, and why he was considered so special and important in that world. This week and next, we're joined by Justin Peters, author of The Idealist, a new book that takes a close look at Aaron himself as well as the internet culture that gave rise to his attitudes and activism, which is the focus of this first half of the discussion.Anyone even remotely interested in free culture, …Anyone even remotely interested in free culture, the internet and copyright surely knows the name Aaron Swartz — but only some truly understand what made him tick, and why he was considered so special and important in that world. This week and next, we're joined by Justin Peters, author of The Idealist, a new book that takes a close look at Aaron himself as well as the internet culture that gave rise to his attitudes and activism, which is the focus of this first half of the discussion.tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/255866162The Great Encryption Debate: Should There Be Back Doors?Tue, 29 Mar 2016 19:05:17 +0000https://soundcloud.com/techdirt/the-great-encryption-debate-should-there-be-backdoors
00:53:16TechdirtnoAnyone who reads Techdirt knows our opinion on encryption: stronger is better, and giving the government (or anyone else) a back door is a dangerous idea. We've decried a lot of the stupid arguments that we've heard in favor of back doors — usually coming from technologically clueless politicians and law enforcement officers — but that doesn't mean we aren't open to considering some smart ones. This week, we've invited Albert Wenger (who you may recall from a discussion about basic income way back in Episode 16) to share his pro-backdoor position and engage in some friendly debate.Anyone who reads Techdirt knows our opinion on en…Anyone who reads Techdirt knows our opinion on encryption: stronger is better, and giving the government (or anyone else) a back door is a dangerous idea. We've decried a lot of the stupid arguments that we've heard in favor of back doors — usually coming from technologically clueless politicians and law enforcement officers — but that doesn't mean we aren't open to considering some smart ones. This week, we've invited Albert Wenger (who you may recall from a discussion about basic income way back in Episode 16) to share his pro-backdoor position and engage in some friendly debate.tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/254287528Why Are There So Many Messaging Companies?Tue, 22 Mar 2016 18:44:33 +0000https://soundcloud.com/techdirt/why-are-there-so-many-messaging-companies
00:42:58TechdirtnoIf you want to send someone a message online today, you've got a hell of a lot of options. Far from the erstwhile IM dominance of ICQ, today there are messaging platforms of every shape and size, a blurring of the lines between messaging and social media, and messaging components incorporated into almost everything. This week, we ask a simple question: why so many, and what are they all for?If you want to send someone a message online toda…If you want to send someone a message online today, you've got a hell of a lot of options. Far from the erstwhile IM dominance of ICQ, today there are messaging platforms of every shape and size, a blurring of the lines between messaging and social media, and messaging components incorporated into almost everything. This week, we ask a simple question: why so many, and what are they all for?tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/252025002Net Neutrality, Zero Rating & The Games Internet Providers PlayTue, 15 Mar 2016 18:08:12 +0000https://soundcloud.com/techdirt/net-neutrality-zero-rating-the-games-internet-providers-play
00:35:26TechdirtnoThe battle for net neutrality seemed like it was over — but the regulations left a loophole open. Unsurprisingly, ISPs quickly started exploiting it, offering "zero rating" services to do an end-run around true net neutrality. Last week's guest Marvin Ammori joins us again this week, to discuss the true and imperfect state of net neutrality, and the many games internet providers play.The battle for net neutrality seemed like it was …The battle for net neutrality seemed like it was over — but the regulations left a loophole open. Unsurprisingly, ISPs quickly started exploiting it, offering "zero rating" services to do an end-run around true net neutrality. Last week's guest Marvin Ammori joins us again this week, to discuss the true and imperfect state of net neutrality, and the many games internet providers play.tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/250873979Apple, The FBI & YouTue, 08 Mar 2016 19:10:30 +0000https://soundcloud.com/techdirt/apple-the-fbi-and-you
00:34:03Techdirtno
I don't think I need to reiterate how important the battle over the future of encryption is. It's not new, but rather the latest clash in a fight that has been raging for years, and the high-profile example of the San Bernardino attacker's iPhone has cast a spotlight on it. This week, we're joined by longtime Techdirt friend Marvin Ammori to dig into the details of this issue, its potential consequences, and its context in the history of encryption.
I don't think I need to reiterate how important …
I don't think I need to reiterate how important the battle over the future of encryption is. It's not new, but rather the latest clash in a fight that has been raging for years, and the high-profile example of the San Bernardino attacker's iPhone has cast a spotlight on it. This week, we're joined by longtime Techdirt friend Marvin Ammori to dig into the details of this issue, its potential consequences, and its context in the history of encryption.tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/249701635Hacking The Patent SystemTue, 01 Mar 2016 19:38:09 +0000https://soundcloud.com/techdirt/hacking-the-patent-system
00:34:40TechdirtnoWe all know the patent system is riddled with problems, and badly in need of reform. But reform comes slow — really, really slow. So some tech companies have been doing what they do best: innovate. They are finding ways to get around the biggest problems of the patent system without waiting on go-nowhere legislative reform efforts. This week we're joined by Julie Samuels, President of the Board at Engine, to discuss the innovation-based approach to navigating the patent system and changing patent culture.We all know the patent system is riddled with pro…We all know the patent system is riddled with problems, and badly in need of reform. But reform comes slow — really, really slow. So some tech companies have been doing what they do best: innovate. They are finding ways to get around the biggest problems of the patent system without waiting on go-nowhere legislative reform efforts. This week we're joined by Julie Samuels, President of the Board at Engine, to discuss the innovation-based approach to navigating the patent system and changing patent culture.tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/248555000The Best/Worst Time To Be A Content CreatorTue, 23 Feb 2016 20:37:59 +0000https://soundcloud.com/techdirt/the-bestworst-time-to-be-a-content-creator
00:32:04TechdirtnoThere's something notable and odd about the conversation around content creation in the digital age: a stark divide between the camp that believes the sky is falling, and the camp that believes things are better than they've ever been. This week, we discuss the question of which narrative is correct... or is it neither? Or both?There's something notable and odd about the conve…There's something notable and odd about the conversation around content creation in the digital age: a stark divide between the camp that believes the sky is falling, and the camp that believes things are better than they've ever been. This week, we discuss the question of which narrative is correct... or is it neither? Or both?tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/247395925Barry Eisler On Publishing, Keanu Reeves And More (Part Two)Tue, 16 Feb 2016 20:15:02 +0000https://soundcloud.com/techdirt/barry-eisler-on-publishing-keanu-reeves-and-more-part-two
00:34:26TechdirtnoLast week, we shared the first half of Mike's interview with Barry Eisler at the Commonwealth Club of California. This week, we've got the second half of that discussion, which pivots from national security and the surveillance state to Barry's novels, his experiences publishing them, and the time he met Keanu Reeves.Last week, we shared the first half of Mike's int…Last week, we shared the first half of Mike's interview with Barry Eisler at the Commonwealth Club of California. This week, we've got the second half of that discussion, which pivots from national security and the surveillance state to Barry's novels, his experiences publishing them, and the time he met Keanu Reeves.tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/246246810Barry Eisler On Truth, Fiction And The Surveillance State (Part One)Tue, 09 Feb 2016 19:43:18 +0000https://soundcloud.com/techdirt/barry-eisler-on-truth-fiction-and-the-surveillance-state-part-one
00:37:00Techdirtno
Those of you who've heard our previous episodes with Barry Eisler know that he has a unique insight into many of the topics we discuss here at Techdirt, stemming from the wide variety of perspectives he's had in his past: as an operative for the CIA, as a tech industry lawyer, and now as a bestselling author (his new book, The God's Eye View, explores a plausible future inspired by the Snowden revelations). Recently, Mike conducted an interview with Barry at the Commonwealth Club of California, and on this week's podcast we've got the first half of that interview, with a fascinating discussion about the truth (and fiction) of the modern surveillance state.
Those of you who've heard our previous episodes …
Those of you who've heard our previous episodes with Barry Eisler know that he has a unique insight into many of the topics we discuss here at Techdirt, stemming from the wide variety of perspectives he's had in his past: as an operative for the CIA, as a tech industry lawyer, and now as a bestselling author (his new book, The God's Eye View, explores a plausible future inspired by the Snowden revelations). Recently, Mike conducted an interview with Barry at the Commonwealth Club of California, and on this week's podcast we've got the first half of that interview, with a fascinating discussion about the truth (and fiction) of the modern surveillance state.tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/245112510Does The Internet Create More "Winner Take All" Companies?Tue, 02 Feb 2016 20:02:06 +0000https://soundcloud.com/techdirt/does-the-internet-create-more-winner-take-all-companies
00:36:34Techdirtno
The digital world is increasingly giving rise to "winner take all" industries, where a market is all but dominated by one company and, sometimes, a single smaller competitor. Since innovation is so often driven by competition and hindered by monopolies, this is a worrying trend — but its true extent, and its implications, are hardly clear. This week, we discuss various winner take all situations and what they mean for the future of innovation.
The digital world is increasingly giving rise to…
The digital world is increasingly giving rise to "winner take all" industries, where a market is all but dominated by one company and, sometimes, a single smaller competitor. Since innovation is so often driven by competition and hindered by monopolies, this is a worrying trend — but its true extent, and its implications, are hardly clear. This week, we discuss various winner take all situations and what they mean for the future of innovation.tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/243913829Just How Bad Is The TPP?Tue, 26 Jan 2016 18:55:46 +0000https://soundcloud.com/techdirt/just-how-bad-is-the-tpp
00:57:48TechdirtnoThere are lots of criticisms of free trade agreements, especially the fact that they go far beyond "free trade" — but the Trans-Pacific Partnership truly takes the cake. This week, we're joined by Maira Sutton, the EFF's Global Policy Analyst, to discuss the many problems with the TPP. Tellingly, this episode is nearly twice as long as usual.There are lots of criticisms of free trade agreem…There are lots of criticisms of free trade agreements, especially the fact that they go far beyond "free trade" — but the Trans-Pacific Partnership truly takes the cake. This week, we're joined by Maira Sutton, the EFF's Global Policy Analyst, to discuss the many problems with the TPP. Tellingly, this episode is nearly twice as long as usual.tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/242779248Can Silicon Valley Help "Disrupt" ISIS?Tue, 19 Jan 2016 20:07:54 +0000https://soundcloud.com/techdirt/can-silicon-valley-help-disrupt-isis
00:34:24TechdirtnoLately, there's been a lot of talk about cooperation between the government and the technology industry in the fight against terrorism, radicalization and, specifically, ISIS. A lot of this talk consists of the hugely problematic requests we discuss here regularly, like compromising encryption and cooperating with mass surveillance — but is that all there is to it? This week, we discuss what role Silicon Valley actually could play in combating ISIS.Lately, there's been a lot of talk about cooperat…Lately, there's been a lot of talk about cooperation between the government and the technology industry in the fight against terrorism, radicalization and, specifically, ISIS. A lot of this talk consists of the hugely problematic requests we discuss here regularly, like compromising encryption and cooperating with mass surveillance — but is that all there is to it? This week, we discuss what role Silicon Valley actually could play in combating ISIS.tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/241631782The CES Post-MortemTue, 12 Jan 2016 18:13:03 +0000https://soundcloud.com/techdirt/the-ces-post-mortem
00:47:17TechdirtnoAfter a few weeks off for the holidays, we're back! And as anyone on the internet can't ignore, CES 2016 has just wrapped up. Our own Mike Masnick was there, and today he's joined by journalist and long-time CES veteran Rob Pegoraro for a post-mortem of the event and this year's crop of new products.After a few weeks off for the holidays, we're bac…After a few weeks off for the holidays, we're back! And as anyone on the internet can't ignore, CES 2016 has just wrapped up. Our own Mike Masnick was there, and today he's joined by journalist and long-time CES veteran Rob Pegoraro for a post-mortem of the event and this year's crop of new products.tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/238693877How Much Surveillance Is Acceptable?Tue, 22 Dec 2015 18:31:24 +0000https://soundcloud.com/techdirt/how-much-surveillance-is-acceptable
00:37:17TechdirtnoWelcome to the last podcast episode of 2015! For the whole year (and since long before that) Techdirt has been speaking out against surveillance and government invasion of privacy, to the point where it might seem like we give no consideration to the legitimacy of any kind of surveillance. But that's not necessarily true, so this week we're approaching things from the other side and discussing the limits of reasonable and acceptable surveillance.Welcome to the last podcast episode of 2015! For …Welcome to the last podcast episode of 2015! For the whole year (and since long before that) Techdirt has been speaking out against surveillance and government invasion of privacy, to the point where it might seem like we give no consideration to the legitimacy of any kind of surveillance. But that's not necessarily true, so this week we're approaching things from the other side and discussing the limits of reasonable and acceptable surveillance.tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/237709994It Ain't Easy To Give Away $45 BillionTue, 15 Dec 2015 20:06:54 +0000https://soundcloud.com/techdirt/it-aint-easy-to-give-away-45-billion
00:34:39TechdirtnoThere's been a lot of back-and-forth recently over Mark Zuckerberg's announcement of the Chan-Zuckerberg Initiative, combining widespread praise with a lot of disappointment in the details and the fact that he isn't really "giving away" $45 billion. There's a lot to be said on both sides of this question, and this week we're discussing the new initiative and the wide variety of reactions to it.There's been a lot of back-and-forth recently ove…There's been a lot of back-and-forth recently over Mark Zuckerberg's announcement of the Chan-Zuckerberg Initiative, combining widespread praise with a lot of disappointment in the details and the fact that he isn't really "giving away" $45 billion. There's a lot to be said on both sides of this question, and this week we're discussing the new initiative and the wide variety of reactions to it.tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/236670986Why Intermediary Liability Is The Most Important Question OnlineTue, 08 Dec 2015 19:39:47 +0000https://soundcloud.com/techdirt/why-intermediary-liability-is-the-most-important-question-online
00:47:47TechdirtnoLast week, we spoke with Daphne Keller of Stanford's Center For Internet And Society about the collision between privacy and free speech in the EU. Much of this discussion involves the question of "intermediary liability" — how and when service providers are held liable for the actions of their users. This week, Daphne is back for a broader look at intermediary liability, and why it's one of the most important questions for the future of the internet.Last week, we spoke with Daphne Keller of Stanfor…Last week, we spoke with Daphne Keller of Stanford's Center For Internet And Society about the collision between privacy and free speech in the EU. Much of this discussion involves the question of "intermediary liability" — how and when service providers are held liable for the actions of their users. This week, Daphne is back for a broader look at intermediary liability, and why it's one of the most important questions for the future of the internet.tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/235624687The EU Has Set Privacy & Free Speech On A Collision CourseTue, 01 Dec 2015 20:26:38 +0000https://soundcloud.com/techdirt/the-eu-has-set-privacy-free-speech-on-a-collision-course
00:42:21TechdirtnoPrivacy and free speech aren't fundamentally opposed, but they do have a tendency to come into conflict — and recent developments in Europe surrounding the right to be forgotten have brought this conflict into focus. This week, we're joined by Daphne Keller of Stanford's Center For Internet And Society to discuss the collision between these two important principles.Privacy and free speech aren't fundamentally oppo…Privacy and free speech aren't fundamentally opposed, but they do have a tendency to come into conflict — and recent developments in Europe surrounding the right to be forgotten have brought this conflict into focus. This week, we're joined by Daphne Keller of Stanford's Center For Internet And Society to discuss the collision between these two important principles.tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/233505972Bubbles, Busts & UnicornsTue, 17 Nov 2015 20:03:20 +0000https://soundcloud.com/techdirt/51-bubbles-busts-unicorns
00:33:11TechdirtnoEver since the bubble and bust of the 90s, Silicon Valley observers have been wondering if and when history will repeat. Lately, some have been pointing to the trend of "unicorn" companies as evidence that we might be heading down that road again, while others have made the case that the fear is overhyped. This week, we discuss the elusive unicorn and what it means for the future of the tech industry.Ever since the bubble and bust of the 90s, Silico…Ever since the bubble and bust of the 90s, Silicon Valley observers have been wondering if and when history will repeat. Lately, some have been pointing to the trend of "unicorn" companies as evidence that we might be heading down that road again, while others have made the case that the fear is overhyped. This week, we discuss the elusive unicorn and what it means for the future of the tech industry.tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/232480775Our Podcast About PodcastsTue, 10 Nov 2015 20:21:56 +0000https://soundcloud.com/techdirt/our-podcast-about-podcasts
00:34:52TechdirtnoFifty episodes! Having skipped just two weeks in the past, this marks one whole year of the Techdirt Podcast! In honor of that, we're taking on a very relevant topic that we haven't yet discussed: the medium of podcasting itself.Fifty episodes! Having skipped just two weeks in …Fifty episodes! Having skipped just two weeks in the past, this marks one whole year of the Techdirt Podcast! In honor of that, we're taking on a very relevant topic that we haven't yet discussed: the medium of podcasting itself.tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/231540356A Whirlwind Tour Of Current Policy Issues In TechWed, 04 Nov 2015 17:17:27 +0000https://soundcloud.com/techdirt/a-whirlwind-tour-of-current-policy-issues-in-tech
00:53:18TechdirtnoToday, we've got something a little different: a podcast crossover podcast with the folks from the a16z. Last week, Mike joined Julie Samuels from Engine on the a16z Podcast hosted by Sonal Chokshi to discuss a long list of important policy issues related to technology and innovation, and for those of you who aren't already following that podcast, we're cross-posting the episode here as part of the Techdirt Podcast as well. Enjoy!Today, we've got something a little different: a …Today, we've got something a little different: a podcast crossover podcast with the folks from the a16z. Last week, Mike joined Julie Samuels from Engine on the a16z Podcast hosted by Sonal Chokshi to discuss a long list of important policy issues related to technology and innovation, and for those of you who aren't already following that podcast, we're cross-posting the episode here as part of the Techdirt Podcast as well. Enjoy!tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/230350504Our Hacking Laws Are A MessTue, 27 Oct 2015 18:43:00 +0000https://soundcloud.com/techdirt/our-hacking-laws-are-a-mess
00:46:08TechdirtnoIf you're a Techdirt regular, you probably know that there are some serious problems with the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act. Drafted in 1986 with extremely broad language, the CFAA has grown into an easily abused law that lets prosecutors go after people for minor activities that don't meet any reasonable definition of hacking or computer fraud. This week, we discuss the utter mess that our hacking laws have become, and look into ways they might be fixed.If you're a Techdirt regular, you probably know t…If you're a Techdirt regular, you probably know that there are some serious problems with the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act. Drafted in 1986 with extremely broad language, the CFAA has grown into an easily abused law that lets prosecutors go after people for minor activities that don't meet any reasonable definition of hacking or computer fraud. This week, we discuss the utter mess that our hacking laws have become, and look into ways they might be fixed.tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/229297446Trademarks: Intellectual Property Or Consumer Protection?Tue, 20 Oct 2015 19:10:43 +0000https://soundcloud.com/techdirt/trademarks-intellectual-property-or-consumer-protection
00:41:37TechdirtnoTrademark law often gets lumped in with patents and copyright under the "intellectual property" banner, but in fact it's a different kind of law with an entirely different heritage. That said, it's not without its dangers, so this week we're discussing the intent and extent of trademark law and its impacts both positive and negative.Trademark law often gets lumped in with patents a…Trademark law often gets lumped in with patents and copyright under the "intellectual property" banner, but in fact it's a different kind of law with an entirely different heritage. That said, it's not without its dangers, so this week we're discussing the intent and extent of trademark law and its impacts both positive and negative.tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/228255036Things We Got WrongTue, 13 Oct 2015 19:29:15 +0000https://soundcloud.com/techdirt/things-we-got-wrong
00:41:17TechdirtnoOver the past 15+ years, Techdirt and its team has made plenty of predictions and prognoses about various aspects of the world of tech — which means we've made plenty of mistakes. This week, our podcast is dedicated to discussing some of those poor predictions and figuring out what we can learn from them.Over the past 15+ years, Techdirt and its team ha…Over the past 15+ years, Techdirt and its team has made plenty of predictions and prognoses about various aspects of the world of tech — which means we've made plenty of mistakes. This week, our podcast is dedicated to discussing some of those poor predictions and figuring out what we can learn from them.tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/227197397No, You're Not The ProductTue, 06 Oct 2015 17:49:59 +0000https://soundcloud.com/techdirt/no-youre-not-the-product
00:32:57TechdirtnoThere's a common refrain regarding services these days that "if you're not paying for it, you're the product" &mdash; but this notion is at best an oversimplification, and at worst outright untrue. This week, we look at the far more complex and diverse reality of how free services relate to their users.There's a common refrain regarding services these…There's a common refrain regarding services these days that "if you're not paying for it, you're the product" &mdash; but this notion is at best an oversimplification, and at worst outright untrue. This week, we look at the far more complex and diverse reality of how free services relate to their users.tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/226146001Why The Freedom To Tinker MattersTue, 29 Sep 2015 18:57:35 +0000https://soundcloud.com/techdirt/why-the-freedom-to-tinker-matters
00:32:18TechdirtnoLast week, iFixit CEO Kyle Wiens joined us to discuss DMCA anti-circumvention exceptions, but that's just one specific facet of a broader issue: the freedom to repair, modify, reverse-engineer and generally tinker with the technology you own. This week Kyle is back to discuss why the freedom to tinker is a vitally important right — and one that is constantly under threat.Last week, iFixit CEO Kyle Wiens joined us to dis…Last week, iFixit CEO Kyle Wiens joined us to discuss DMCA anti-circumvention exceptions, but that's just one specific facet of a broader issue: the freedom to repair, modify, reverse-engineer and generally tinker with the technology you own. This week Kyle is back to discuss why the freedom to tinker is a vitally important right — and one that is constantly under threat.tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/225083976Why Do We Let An 86 Year Old Librarian Decide Who's Allowed To Innovate?Tue, 22 Sep 2015 18:53:38 +0000https://soundcloud.com/techdirt/why-do-we-let-an-86-year-old-librarian-decide-whos-allowed-to-innovate
00:34:11TechdirtnoOne of the many strange and problematic features of modern copyright law is the DMCA anti-circumvention exception system, wherein the Librarian of Congress makes unilateral decisions about what you can and can't do with software and products that include DRM and other protections. This week we're joined by Kyle Wiens, CEO of iFixit and a long-time champion of the right to repair and tinker, to discuss the ins and outs of this system, and what is (or isn't) coming in the next round of exemptions.One of the many strange and problematic features …One of the many strange and problematic features of modern copyright law is the DMCA anti-circumvention exception system, wherein the Librarian of Congress makes unilateral decisions about what you can and can't do with software and products that include DRM and other protections. This week we're joined by Kyle Wiens, CEO of iFixit and a long-time champion of the right to repair and tinker, to discuss the ins and outs of this system, and what is (or isn't) coming in the next round of exemptions.tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/224006854Adblocking Wouldn't Be A Problem If Ads Didn't Suck So MuchTue, 15 Sep 2015 18:32:44 +0000https://soundcloud.com/techdirt/adblocking-wouldnt-be-a-problem-if-ads-didnt-suck-so-much
00:30:37TechdirtnoLots of publishers freak out about the existence of adblockers. Some seek ways to get around them, others simply complain. This might seem like a situation where the desires of publishers and the desires of readers are irreconcilably opposed — but is that truly the case? This week, we discuss the popular reactions to adblocking and the look at the real problem with online advertising: the quality of the ads themselves.Lots of publishers freak out about the existence …Lots of publishers freak out about the existence of adblockers. Some seek ways to get around them, others simply complain. This might seem like a situation where the desires of publishers and the desires of readers are irreconcilably opposed — but is that truly the case? This week, we discuss the popular reactions to adblocking and the look at the real problem with online advertising: the quality of the ads themselves.tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/222949244Privacy Policies Have Nothing To Do With PrivacyTue, 08 Sep 2015 19:03:39 +0000https://soundcloud.com/techdirt/privacy-policies-have-nothing-to-do-with-privacy
00:33:54TechdirtnoPrivacy policies are ubiquitous online, and often required by law, but what are they really for? People don't read them, and when they do they have a tendency to misunderstand them, such as with the recent flare-up over poorly-contextualized changes to Spotify's policy. Plus, there's a built in incentive for companies to write their policies as broadly as possible to avoid accidentally violating them, further stripping them of all purpose. This week, we discuss a simple question: are privacy policies an altogether stupid idea?Privacy policies are ubiquitous online, and often…Privacy policies are ubiquitous online, and often required by law, but what are they really for? People don't read them, and when they do they have a tendency to misunderstand them, such as with the recent flare-up over poorly-contextualized changes to Spotify's policy. Plus, there's a built in incentive for companies to write their policies as broadly as possible to avoid accidentally violating them, further stripping them of all purpose. This week, we discuss a simple question: are privacy policies an altogether stupid idea?tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/221898045Is Silicon Valley Only Building Tech For The Rich?Tue, 01 Sep 2015 18:54:30 +0000https://soundcloud.com/techdirt/is-silicon-valley-only-building-tech-for-the-rich
00:42:51TechdirtnoTechnological innovation is solving all sorts of problems, from major issues to minor inconveniences &mdash; but one criticism that often comes up is that Silicon Valley has a "by rich young white men, for rich young white men" culture, with most of its efforts focused on solving problems for a small, affluent minority. This week, Catherine Bracy returns as we try to understand this common complaint, how valid it is, and what can be done about it.Technological innovation is solving all sorts of …Technological innovation is solving all sorts of problems, from major issues to minor inconveniences &mdash; but one criticism that often comes up is that Silicon Valley has a "by rich young white men, for rich young white men" culture, with most of its efforts focused on solving problems for a small, affluent minority. This week, Catherine Bracy returns as we try to understand this common complaint, how valid it is, and what can be done about it.tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/220853296Technology's Impact On DemocracyTue, 25 Aug 2015 18:43:19 +0000https://soundcloud.com/techdirt/technologys-impact-on-democracy
00:42:51TechdirtnoFrom e-voting and online petitions to broad new avenues of communication between politicians and the public, technology is changing democracy, and has the potential to do so even more. This week we're joined by Catherine Bracy, the Technology Field Officer for Obama For America in 2012, to discuss the current and future impact of rapidly changing technology on the democratic process and whether these impacts have been "good" or "bad".From e-voting and online petitions to broad new a…From e-voting and online petitions to broad new avenues of communication between politicians and the public, technology is changing democracy, and has the potential to do so even more. This week we're joined by Catherine Bracy, the Technology Field Officer for Obama For America in 2012, to discuss the current and future impact of rapidly changing technology on the democratic process and whether these impacts have been "good" or "bad".tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/219818720Yes, There Are Business Models That Don't Need Intellectual PropertyTue, 18 Aug 2015 18:29:45 +0000https://soundcloud.com/techdirt/yes-there-are-business-models-that-dont-need-intellectual-property
00:34:36TechdirtnoTime and time again, we hear the claim that without copyright and/or patents there is no way for creators to make money, or even any reason for anyone to create anything at all. This is obviously absurd on many levels, but in today's episode we look at the most immediate and practical ones: the many business models that aren't based on intellectual property, and approaches to incentivizing creativity and innovation that don't involve locking things down.Time and time again, we hear the claim that witho…Time and time again, we hear the claim that without copyright and/or patents there is no way for creators to make money, or even any reason for anyone to create anything at all. This is obviously absurd on many levels, but in today's episode we look at the most immediate and practical ones: the many business models that aren't based on intellectual property, and approaches to incentivizing creativity and innovation that don't involve locking things down.tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/218794067Humble Bundle Deserves More Credit For Its Many InnovationsTue, 11 Aug 2015 19:09:15 +0000https://soundcloud.com/techdirt/humble-bundle-deserves-more-credit-for-its-many-innovations
00:36:40TechdirtnoWhen people talk about today's most innovative technology and media companies, the discussion tends to orbit the usual suspects: Apple, Google, Facebook et al. But there's one small company that we've long believed deserves far, far more attention for its multitude of smart innovations: Humble Bundle. This week, we discuss the many subtle but extremely meaningful choices that have grown the Humble Bundle from a simple experiment into a revolutionary form of distribution, and wonder why the company doesn't get more credit as an innovator.
This week we're also unveiling our brand new podcast theme song written, produced and recorded by long-time Techdirt friend Dan Bull.When people talk about today's most innovative te…When people talk about today's most innovative technology and media companies, the discussion tends to orbit the usual suspects: Apple, Google, Facebook et al. But there's one small company that we've long believed deserves far, far more attention for its multitude of smart innovations: Humble Bundle. This week, we discuss the many subtle but extremely meaningful choices that have grown the Humble Bundle from a simple experiment into a revolutionary form of distribution, and wonder why the company doesn't get more credit as an innovator.
This week we're also unveiling our brand new podcast theme song written, produced and recorded by long-time Techdirt friend Dan Bull.tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/217782796In Defense Of CopyingTue, 04 Aug 2015 19:08:01 +0000https://soundcloud.com/techdirt/in-defense-of-copying
00:35:51TechdirtnoWe live in a world that venerates "ideas" but ignores the fact that even the best idea is worthless if it's poorly executed. In turn, people who "copy" ideas are often demonized, even when it's their superior execution that is responsible for their success. But the truth is that copying is a critical part of innovation and progress, and the instinct to ignore or refute that idea has left us without many clear measurements of its impact — not to mention lots of bad policy, and a highly problematic "ownership culture" when it comes to ideas and creative output.We live in a world that venerates "ideas" but ign…We live in a world that venerates "ideas" but ignores the fact that even the best idea is worthless if it's poorly executed. In turn, people who "copy" ideas are often demonized, even when it's their superior execution that is responsible for their success. But the truth is that copying is a critical part of innovation and progress, and the instinct to ignore or refute that idea has left us without many clear measurements of its impact — not to mention lots of bad policy, and a highly problematic "ownership culture" when it comes to ideas and creative output.tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/216758709Kevin Smith On How To Be Yourself And Make A LivingTue, 28 Jul 2015 18:43:23 +0000https://soundcloud.com/techdirt/kevin-smith-on-how-to-be-yourself-and-make-a-living
00:51:47TechdirtnoLong-time Techdirt readers know that we're big fans of Kevin Smith, not just for his films and podcasts but also for his many innovative approaches to business, distribution and creativity in general — and we're proud to say that he is also a pretty big fan of Techdirt. This week, he joins us on the podcast to discuss the experience of striking out on your own path as a creator while countless voices from the status quo try to tear you down &mdash; and the rewards that come when you manage to ignore those voices and be unapologetically yourself.Long-time Techdirt readers know that we're big fa…Long-time Techdirt readers know that we're big fans of Kevin Smith, not just for his films and podcasts but also for his many innovative approaches to business, distribution and creativity in general — and we're proud to say that he is also a pretty big fan of Techdirt. This week, he joins us on the podcast to discuss the experience of striking out on your own path as a creator while countless voices from the status quo try to tear you down &mdash; and the rewards that come when you manage to ignore those voices and be unapologetically yourself.tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/215730938Apple Versus GoogleTue, 21 Jul 2015 19:24:41 +0000https://soundcloud.com/techdirt/apple-versus-google
00:37:59TechdirtnoA few years ago, there was no reason to see Apple and Google as direct competitors — but thanks to the mobile space, all that has changed. Now the two tech giants are going head-to-head in a contest for the mobile device market share, but their approaches to this race remain very different. This week, we discuss the nuances of this competition and what these two different approaches can teach us about business models and innovation.A few years ago, there was no reason to see Apple…A few years ago, there was no reason to see Apple and Google as direct competitors — but thanks to the mobile space, all that has changed. Now the two tech giants are going head-to-head in a contest for the mobile device market share, but their approaches to this race remain very different. This week, we discuss the nuances of this competition and what these two different approaches can teach us about business models and innovation.tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/214721565Reddit And The Challenges Of Building A Business Out Of A CommunityTue, 14 Jul 2015 19:27:56 +0000https://soundcloud.com/techdirt/reddit-and-the-challenges-of-building-a-business-out-of-a-community
00:36:41TechdirtnoReddit is a prime example of the explosive growth of online communities — and recently it's become a prime test case for the huge challenges such growth brings, especially for those who are trying to use it as the foundation for a successful company. This week we discuss some of those challenges that sit at the intersection of community and business, both in terms of popular examples like Reddit and personal experiences as both members and builders of online communities.Reddit is a prime example of the explosive growth…Reddit is a prime example of the explosive growth of online communities — and recently it's become a prime test case for the huge challenges such growth brings, especially for those who are trying to use it as the foundation for a successful company. This week we discuss some of those challenges that sit at the intersection of community and business, both in terms of popular examples like Reddit and personal experiences as both members and builders of online communities.tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/213679824Are Smart Watches The New Calculator Watches?Tue, 07 Jul 2015 18:24:24 +0000https://soundcloud.com/techdirt/are-smart-watches-the-new-calculator-watches
00:35:12TechdirtnoSmart watches are among the hottest gadgets du jour, but do they live up to the hype? Their adoption hasn't been even remotely on par with smartphones, and reactions from those who have used them are mixed &mdash; but that doesn't mean they're useless or have zero appeal. So, does this dubious trend have a future, or are smart watches a dumb idea?Smart watches are among the hottest gadgets du jo…Smart watches are among the hottest gadgets du jour, but do they live up to the hype? Their adoption hasn't been even remotely on par with smartphones, and reactions from those who have used them are mixed &mdash; but that doesn't mean they're useless or have zero appeal. So, does this dubious trend have a future, or are smart watches a dumb idea?tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/212664940Closing In On Virtual RealityTue, 30 Jun 2015 16:57:48 +0000https://soundcloud.com/techdirt/closing-in-on-virtual-reality
00:35:21TechdirtnoThe promise of virtual reality has been teasing us since the late 60s, and yet it never seems to arrive in a fully realized form. Recently, however, VR (and its cousin, augmented reality) is back in a big way, with flagship products like the Oculus Rift and Microsoft Hololens taking the spotlight, backed up by dozens of other contributions. To discuss this exciting trend, we're joined by erstwhile Techdirt writer Carlo Longino who, along with regular co-host Dennis Yang, attended this year's E3 conference and tried out a bunch of new offerings on the VR market.The promise of virtual reality has been teasing u…The promise of virtual reality has been teasing us since the late 60s, and yet it never seems to arrive in a fully realized form. Recently, however, VR (and its cousin, augmented reality) is back in a big way, with flagship products like the Oculus Rift and Microsoft Hololens taking the spotlight, backed up by dozens of other contributions. To discuss this exciting trend, we're joined by erstwhile Techdirt writer Carlo Longino who, along with regular co-host Dennis Yang, attended this year's E3 conference and tried out a bunch of new offerings on the VR market.tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/211658473Does Distance Matter In The Digital Age?Tue, 23 Jun 2015 19:01:24 +0000https://soundcloud.com/techdirt/does-distance-matter-in-the-digital-age
00:33:21TechdirtnoThe internet has changed the parameters for how people can interact. Today, all sorts of work and socialization can be done over distances that were previously impossible, and the rise of telecommuting has been no surprise. And yet there are still a lot of imperfections in the system, and a lot of ways that the internet doesn't quite seem to close the gap as much as we'd like it to. In this week's episode, we ask the question of how much face-to-face communication still matters in the digital age, and what the future holds for long-distance interactions.The internet has changed the parameters for how p…The internet has changed the parameters for how people can interact. Today, all sorts of work and socialization can be done over distances that were previously impossible, and the rise of telecommuting has been no surprise. And yet there are still a lot of imperfections in the system, and a lot of ways that the internet doesn't quite seem to close the gap as much as we'd like it to. In this week's episode, we ask the question of how much face-to-face communication still matters in the digital age, and what the future holds for long-distance interactions.tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/210618626Autonomous Vehicles Will Change EverythingTue, 16 Jun 2015 18:02:50 +0000https://soundcloud.com/techdirt/autonomous-vehicles-will-change-everything
00:43:21TechdirtnoLast week, we were joined by Upshift founder Ezra Goldman to discuss the future of mobility in a world of on-demand services like Uber. This week, Ezra is back to help us fill in the other big piece of the transportation puzzle: autonomous vehicles, and their potential to change just about everything.Last week, we were joined by Upshift founder Ezra…Last week, we were joined by Upshift founder Ezra Goldman to discuss the future of mobility in a world of on-demand services like Uber. This week, Ezra is back to help us fill in the other big piece of the transportation puzzle: autonomous vehicles, and their potential to change just about everything.tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/209566554Is Car Ownership On The Way Out?Tue, 09 Jun 2015 18:54:29 +0000https://soundcloud.com/techdirt/is-car-ownership-on-the-way-out
00:41:01TechdirtnoThe explosive rise of Uber, ride-sharing programs, and other on-demand mobility services has led many to wonder if the whole concept of car ownership is on its way out, at least for city-dwellers. This week we're joined by Upshift founder Ezra Goldman, who recently wrote a manifesto for the future of mobility and helps us delve far beyond a surface analysis of transportation trends.The explosive rise of Uber, ride-sharing programs…The explosive rise of Uber, ride-sharing programs, and other on-demand mobility services has led many to wonder if the whole concept of car ownership is on its way out, at least for city-dwellers. This week we're joined by Upshift founder Ezra Goldman, who recently wrote a manifesto for the future of mobility and helps us delve far beyond a surface analysis of transportation trends.tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/208483681The Rise Of The On-Demand EconomyTue, 02 Jun 2015 19:00:04 +0000https://soundcloud.com/techdirt/the-rise-of-the-on-demand-economy
00:35:39TechdirtnoThere are a lot of startups out there trying to become the "Uber of..." something, from valet parking to food delivery to dog-walking. But as much as this might look like mere bandwagon-hopping, it actually represents a fascinating and potentially important trend: the emergence of a new, highly efficient and flexible economy based around individuals offering on-demand services.There are a lot of startups out there trying to b…There are a lot of startups out there trying to become the "Uber of..." something, from valet parking to food delivery to dog-walking. But as much as this might look like mere bandwagon-hopping, it actually represents a fascinating and potentially important trend: the emergence of a new, highly efficient and flexible economy based around individuals offering on-demand services.tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/207338027Silicon Valley's Secret IngredientTue, 26 May 2015 19:01:56 +0000https://soundcloud.com/techdirt/silicon-valleys-secret-ingredient
00:33:30TechdirtnoMany people have tried to figure out what factors contributed to making Silicon Valley a center of rapid innovation, usually so that they might replicate it elsewhere. But most of these efforts focus on superficial aspects and miss the most important feature of Silicon Valley's culture: the open and free flow of ideas, information and talent. This week, Mike, Dennis and Hersh discuss their personal experiences with Silicon Valley and their observations about what really makes it so special.Many people have tried to figure out what factors…Many people have tried to figure out what factors contributed to making Silicon Valley a center of rapid innovation, usually so that they might replicate it elsewhere. But most of these efforts focus on superficial aspects and miss the most important feature of Silicon Valley's culture: the open and free flow of ideas, information and talent. This week, Mike, Dennis and Hersh discuss their personal experiences with Silicon Valley and their observations about what really makes it so special.tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/206240202EFF's Parker Higgins On Correcting Copyright MisconceptionsTue, 19 May 2015 18:25:23 +0000https://soundcloud.com/techdirt/effs-parker-higgins-on-correcting-copyright-misconceptions
00:30:56TechdirtnoLast week, we discussed the many misconceptions that run rampant in the public understanding of copyright. This week, the EFF's Parker Higgins returns for part two of the conversation, looking at how to begin addressing and moving past these false facts.Last week, we discussed the many misconceptions t…Last week, we discussed the many misconceptions that run rampant in the public understanding of copyright. This week, the EFF's Parker Higgins returns for part two of the conversation, looking at how to begin addressing and moving past these false facts.tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/205141008EFF's Parker Higgins On Common Copyright MisconceptionsTue, 12 May 2015 16:30:50 +0000https://soundcloud.com/techdirt/effs-parker-higgins-on-common-copyright-misconceptions
00:31:57TechdirtnoCopyright is one of the most important fields of law in the digital age, and also one of the most widely misunderstood. The EFF's Parker Higgins joins us to discuss to most common misconceptions about how copyright works, and how it's been abused.Copyright is one of the most important fields of …Copyright is one of the most important fields of law in the digital age, and also one of the most widely misunderstood. The EFF's Parker Higgins joins us to discuss to most common misconceptions about how copyright works, and how it's been abused.tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/204058327Is AirBnB Good Or Bad For Cities?Tue, 05 May 2015 18:25:45 +0000https://soundcloud.com/techdirt/is-airbnb-good-or-bad-for-cities
00:35:01TechdirtnoAirBnB has become a massive, popular service despite many people balking at its introduction. But in the big picture, what effect is it having on the urban centers where it thrives?AirBnB has become a massive, popular service desp…AirBnB has become a massive, popular service despite many people balking at its introduction. But in the big picture, what effect is it having on the urban centers where it thrives?tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/202985429Are Smaller Online Media Players Doomed In The Age Of Buzzfeed?Tue, 28 Apr 2015 18:16:54 +0000https://soundcloud.com/techdirt/are-smaller-online-media-players-doomed-in-the-age-of-buzzfeed
00:41:16TechdirtnoFollowing the recent shutdowns of GigaOm and San Francisco's The Bold Italic, we ask a critical question: how can smaller online media players survive in this age of goliaths like Buzzfeed?Following the recent shutdowns of GigaOm and San …Following the recent shutdowns of GigaOm and San Francisco's The Bold Italic, we ask a critical question: how can smaller online media players survive in this age of goliaths like Buzzfeed?tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/201896136How The Patent System Can Be FixedTue, 21 Apr 2015 17:50:34 +0000https://soundcloud.com/techdirt/how-the-patent-system-can-be-fixed
00:32:37TechdirtnoLast week, Hersh Reddy helped us navigate the many ways in which the patent system is broken. This week, we turn our attentions to the ways in which it might be fixed, whether by small changes or sweeping reforms. For music, we've got more of Destroy All Patent Trolls by https://soundcloud.com/jonathanmann (CC-BY).Last week, Hersh Reddy helped us navigate the man…Last week, Hersh Reddy helped us navigate the many ways in which the patent system is broken. This week, we turn our attentions to the ways in which it might be fixed, whether by small changes or sweeping reforms. For music, we've got more of Destroy All Patent Trolls by https://soundcloud.com/jonathanmann (CC-BY).tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/200795874How The Patent System Is BrokenTue, 14 Apr 2015 17:38:09 +0000https://soundcloud.com/techdirt/how-the-patent-system-is-broken
00:35:44TechdirtnoHersh Reddy, co-host of the podcast, is a patent attorney with a computer science degree and a long history of working in the tech industry. In this first half of a double episode, he discusses the many ways in which the patent system is broken, and how it got that way. This week's music is Destroy All Patent Trolls by https://soundcloud.com/jonathanmann (CC-BY).Hersh Reddy, co-host of the podcast, is a patent …Hersh Reddy, co-host of the podcast, is a patent attorney with a computer science degree and a long history of working in the tech industry. In this first half of a double episode, he discusses the many ways in which the patent system is broken, and how it got that way. This week's music is Destroy All Patent Trolls by https://soundcloud.com/jonathanmann (CC-BY).tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/199693338From Lulz To Activism, With Gabriella ColemanTue, 07 Apr 2015 17:09:08 +0000https://soundcloud.com/techdirt/from-lulz-to-activism-with-gabriella-coleman
00:28:40TechdirtnoGabriella Coleman is back this week to discuss the astonishing and still-recent shift in the digital world towards real, widespread political engagement on issues like privacy and surveillance.Gabriella Coleman is back this week to discuss th…Gabriella Coleman is back this week to discuss the astonishing and still-recent shift in the digital world towards real, widespread political engagement on issues like privacy and surveillance.tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/198620042The Many Faces Of Anonymous, With Gabriella ColemanTue, 31 Mar 2015 19:09:09 +0000https://soundcloud.com/techdirt/the-many-faces-of-anonymous-with-gabriella-coleman
00:34:02TechdirtnoPeople (especially those in the news media) love to talk about Anonymous, often making bold, sweeping and generally inaccurate proclamations about the group's nature and goals. Gabriella Coleman, on the other hand, has spent years closely studying and engaging with Anonymous in the real world, and developing a nuanced understanding of the nebulous phenomenon. Her new book Hacker, Hoaxer, Whistleblower, Spy: The Many Faces of Anonymous provides insider details about Anonymous that you won't find anywhere else, and she joins us to discuss it on this week's episode.People (especially those in the news media) love …People (especially those in the news media) love to talk about Anonymous, often making bold, sweeping and generally inaccurate proclamations about the group's nature and goals. Gabriella Coleman, on the other hand, has spent years closely studying and engaging with Anonymous in the real world, and developing a nuanced understanding of the nebulous phenomenon. Her new book Hacker, Hoaxer, Whistleblower, Spy: The Many Faces of Anonymous provides insider details about Anonymous that you won't find anywhere else, and she joins us to discuss it on this week's episode.tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/197482908Musicians Making Money, With Composer Adam FongTue, 24 Mar 2015 18:26:47 +0000https://soundcloud.com/techdirt/musicians-making-money-with-composer-adam-fong
00:32:12TechdirtnoAdam Fong discusses his thoughts, both as a composer and as the founder and director of the Center for New Music in San Francisco, on the changing opportunities for musicians to make money. The music on this week's episode is Adam's own composition, Five Times Remembered.Adam Fong discusses his thoughts, both as a compo…Adam Fong discusses his thoughts, both as a composer and as the founder and director of the Center for New Music in San Francisco, on the changing opportunities for musicians to make money. The music on this week's episode is Adam's own composition, Five Times Remembered.tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/196511373Rethinking Work, Income & Leisure: Albert Wenger On Basic IncomeWed, 18 Mar 2015 17:50:23 +0000https://soundcloud.com/techdirt/rethinking-work-income-leisure-albert-wenger-on-basic-income
00:33:53TechdirtnoRecently, there's been a growing discussion around the concept of a basic income guarantee and its potential to completely change how we think about work, income and leisure. Albert Wenger from Union Square Ventures joins us this week to discuss the potential of this revolutionary idea.Recently, there's been a growing discussion aroun…Recently, there's been a growing discussion around the concept of a basic income guarantee and its potential to completely change how we think about work, income and leisure. Albert Wenger from Union Square Ventures joins us this week to discuss the potential of this revolutionary idea.tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/195044042What's It Like To Drive For Uber And Lyft?Mon, 09 Mar 2015 19:15:41 +0000https://soundcloud.com/techdirt/whats-it-like-to-drive-for-uber-and-lyft
00:37:25TechdirtnoTechdirt co-host Dennis Yang has been trying his hand as a driver for both Uber and Lyft. He shares his experiences, and sparks a discussion about the role and future of these services.Techdirt co-host Dennis Yang has been trying his …Techdirt co-host Dennis Yang has been trying his hand as a driver for both Uber and Lyft. He shares his experiences, and sparks a discussion about the role and future of these services.tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/194046258Do You Need A Proprietary Platform To Be A Serious Media Company Today?Tue, 03 Mar 2015 18:15:37 +0000https://soundcloud.com/techdirt/do-you-need-a-proprietary-platform-to-be-a-serious-media-company-today
00:25:45TechdirtnoTechdirt has long operated on a homegrown content management system, but while we've been considering a switch to something open like Wordpress, many other media companies have been building their own proprietary platforms. What are the pros and cons of each approach?Techdirt has long operated on a homegrown content…Techdirt has long operated on a homegrown content management system, but while we've been considering a switch to something open like Wordpress, many other media companies have been building their own proprietary platforms. What are the pros and cons of each approach?tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/192824788Fair Use Protects Culture From Copyright, Not The Other Way AroundTue, 24 Feb 2015 19:07:42 +0000https://soundcloud.com/techdirt/fair-use-protects-culture-from-copyright-not-the-other-way-around
00:33:11TechdirtnoIt's Fair Use Week, so we're discussing this often-misunderstood counterpoint to copyright law that is in fact one of the most critical safeguards of our evolving shared culture.It's Fair Use Week, so we're discussing this ofte…It's Fair Use Week, so we're discussing this often-misunderstood counterpoint to copyright law that is in fact one of the most critical safeguards of our evolving shared culture.tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/191619820Former CIA Employee Barry Eisler Explains Why You Shouldn't Trust The CIATue, 17 Feb 2015 17:52:25 +0000https://soundcloud.com/techdirt/former-cia-employee-barry-eisler-explains-why-you-shouldnt-trust-the-cia
00:33:45TechdirtnoBarry Eisler is back, this time in his capacity as a former CIA employee with insight into the intelligence community's inner workings and culture. This week's music is The NSA Hates This Song by Dan Bull.Barry Eisler is back, this time in his capacity a…Barry Eisler is back, this time in his capacity as a former CIA employee with insight into the intelligence community's inner workings and culture. This week's music is The NSA Hates This Song by Dan Bull.tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/190457346Barry Eisler Dissects The Publishing IndustryTue, 10 Feb 2015 18:36:14 +0000https://soundcloud.com/techdirt/barry-eisler-dissects-the-publishing-industry
00:35:22TechdirtnoBestselling author Barry Eisler discusses the evolving culture and business model of publishing with Mike Masnick and Dennis Yang. This week's music is D.I.Y. MySpam by Jayme Gutierrez.Bestselling author Barry Eisler discusses the evo…Bestselling author Barry Eisler discusses the evolving culture and business model of publishing with Mike Masnick and Dennis Yang. This week's music is D.I.Y. MySpam by Jayme Gutierrez.tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/189331258Is Cybersecurity A Real Issue Or Government Boondoggle?Tue, 03 Feb 2015 20:14:30 +0000https://soundcloud.com/techdirt/is-cybersecurity-a-real-issue-or-government-boondoggle
00:24:29TechdirtnoCybersecurity has become a big, vague buzzword. But what are the actual underlying issues, and are they really as serious as they're made out to be? Mike Masnick, Hersh Reddy and Dennis Yang discuss.Cybersecurity has become a big, vague buzzword. B…Cybersecurity has become a big, vague buzzword. But what are the actual underlying issues, and are they really as serious as they're made out to be? Mike Masnick, Hersh Reddy and Dennis Yang discuss.tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/188169008Is Muni Broadband A Monopoly Killer Or A Killer Monopoly?Tue, 27 Jan 2015 18:56:15 +0000https://soundcloud.com/techdirt/is-muni-broadband-a-monopoly-killer-or-a-killer-monopoly
00:31:58TechdirtnoWhat if cities provided broadband alongside services like water and garbage pickup? Mike Masnick, Hersh Reddy and Dennis Yang discuss the potential pros and cons.What if cities provided broadband alongside servi…What if cities provided broadband alongside services like water and garbage pickup? Mike Masnick, Hersh Reddy and Dennis Yang discuss the potential pros and cons.tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/187008726Threats To Internet Freedom, Recorded Live At BitTorrentTue, 20 Jan 2015 19:16:13 +0000https://soundcloud.com/techdirt/threats-to-internet-freedom-recorded-live-at-bittorrent
01:00:47TechdirtnoA panel discussion about threats to internet freedom with the creators of the documentary Killswitch, moderated by Mike Masnick at the BitTorrent office.A panel discussion about threats to internet free…A panel discussion about threats to internet freedom with the creators of the documentary Killswitch, moderated by Mike Masnick at the BitTorrent office.tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/186220364Terms Of Service Are The New Constitution: Do They Need A First Amendment?Thu, 15 Jan 2015 19:46:47 +0000https://soundcloud.com/techdirt/terms-of-service-are-the-new-constitution-do-they-need-a-first-amendment
00:32:11TechdirtnoWith so much communication happening on private platforms, is the First Amendment sufficient to protect the ideals of free speech? Mike Masnick, Hersh Reddy and Dennis Yang discuss.With so much communication happening on private p…With so much communication happening on private platforms, is the First Amendment sufficient to protect the ideals of free speech? Mike Masnick, Hersh Reddy and Dennis Yang discuss.tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/185088480Should Kids Be Forced To Learn Coding? Or Economics? Or Stats?Thu, 08 Jan 2015 18:34:23 +0000https://soundcloud.com/techdirt/should-kids-be-forced-to-learn-coding-or-economics-or-stats
00:33:43TechdirtnoDoes education need an overhaul for the information age? And what would that entail? Mike Masnick, Hersh Reddy and Dennis Yang discuss.Does education need an overhaul for the informati…Does education need an overhaul for the information age? And what would that entail? Mike Masnick, Hersh Reddy and Dennis Yang discuss.tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/182145311The Internet From Space!Thu, 18 Dec 2014 20:21:38 +0000https://soundcloud.com/techdirt/the-internet-from-space
00:34:08TechdirtnoMike Masnick, Hersh Reddy and Dennis Yang discuss satellite internet and other big ideas about connectivity in Episode 5 of the Techdirt Podcast.Mike Masnick, Hersh Reddy and Dennis Yang discuss…Mike Masnick, Hersh Reddy and Dennis Yang discuss satellite internet and other big ideas about connectivity in Episode 5 of the Techdirt Podcast.tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/181063632In Defense Of AdvertisingThu, 11 Dec 2014 19:19:56 +0000https://soundcloud.com/techdirt/in-defense-of-advertising
00:33:48TechdirtnoMike Masnick, Hersh Reddy and Dennis Yang look beyond the kneejerk reaction that "all advertising is bad" in Episode 4 of the Techdirt Podcast.Mike Masnick, Hersh Reddy and Dennis Yang look be…Mike Masnick, Hersh Reddy and Dennis Yang look beyond the kneejerk reaction that "all advertising is bad" in Episode 4 of the Techdirt Podcast.tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/179851165Amanda Palmer And The Art Of AskingWed, 03 Dec 2014 22:40:37 +0000https://soundcloud.com/techdirt/amanda-palmer-and-the-art-of-asking
00:33:37TechdirtnoAmanda Palmer drops by to discuss her new book The Art Of Asking with Mike Masnick, Hersh Reddy and Dennis Yang in Episode 3 of the Techdirt Podcast.Amanda Palmer drops by to discuss her new book Th…Amanda Palmer drops by to discuss her new book The Art Of Asking with Mike Masnick, Hersh Reddy and Dennis Yang in Episode 3 of the Techdirt Podcast.tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/177822266Privacy And User Control, With Brad BurnhamThu, 20 Nov 2014 15:29:13 +0000https://soundcloud.com/techdirt/privacy-and-user-control-with-brad-burnham
00:27:20TechdirtnoMichael Masnick interviews Brad Burnham about strategies for solving the privacy problem in episode two of the Techdirt Podcast.Michael Masnick interviews Brad Burnham about str…Michael Masnick interviews Brad Burnham about strategies for solving the privacy problem in episode two of the Techdirt Podcast.tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/176640963Can You Increase Privacy By Increasing Surveillance?Wed, 12 Nov 2014 00:00:00 +0000https://soundcloud.com/techdirt/can-you-increase-privacy-by-increasing-surveillance
00:36:18TechdirtnoMichael Masnick, Hersh Reddy and Dennis Yang discuss the paradox of privacy in the digital age.Michael Masnick, Hersh Reddy and Dennis Yang disc…Michael Masnick, Hersh Reddy and Dennis Yang discuss the paradox of privacy in the digital age.